Advent Reflections – Page 5

December 11 🌟 Refined in the Fire (Malachi 3:1-4)

Isaiah wasn’t the only one who hinted about a messenger to announce the Messiah. I was a little confused at first, but did you notice there are two messengers in the first verse? John the Baptist and Jesus are both here. The prophet Malachi speaks God’s words, “The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming.” I am holding on to that truth for dear life!

Malachi’s overall message is that despite our sinfulness, we have hope. Forgiveness is available. That is grace! Yet Malachi addresses the elephant in the room and asks, “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears?” Are you feeling ready for Christ’s return?

December 10 🌟 Prepare the Way (Mark 1:1-8)

Read Mark 1:1-8

silhouette of a man and a woman kneeling at the foot of a cross with a sunset in the background

I love how the Gospel of Mark starts right here, with John’s ministry preparing the way. When is the last time you asked yourself, “how am I showing up for Jesus?” When people look at you, do they see Jesus at all?

Since none of us really know what Jesus’ looks like physically, although he’s been depicted in all sorts of ways over the years, we know what he looks like in behavior and character. That’s what I’m talking about here. How much did John really know about his cousin Jesus before he started preaching?

December 9 🌟 Serve Without Fear (Luke 1:67-79)

Read Luke 1:67-79

Picture of one man washing another man's feet - depicting Jesus washing disciples feet

These are the beautiful words prophesied by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and he had had an encounter earlier to know that this baby of his would become a great prophet of God.

Imagine how Zechariah was feeling as the Holy Spirit took over and spoke through him. If you’ve ever experienced the Holy Spirit speaking through you, then you know how delightful it is. There is almost a tingling when you realize that your words are suddenly not your own. Zechariah’s voice had been silent for so long, that this would be his first utterance is brilliant!

December 7 🌟 Daniel Sees Jesus (Daniel 7:13-14)

Read Daniel 7:13-14

In his vision, Daniel saw “someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.” After our last few passages spoke of Jesus in this way, it is good to see the source. Jesus also referenced this verse to refer to himself (Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; John 1:51). I love when I find examples of where verses point to each other.

Daniel didn’t know he was seeing Jesus. If you read the earlier part of Chapter 7, you’ll see that Daniel’s vision had included all sorts of beasts. He clearly recognized that there was another figure, one that looked like a man, in the presence of God, the Ancient of Days.