Advent reflections – Page 5

December 18 The King of Glory (Psalm 24:1-10)

Jesus riding a white horse with battle around him

We’ve reflected through these Advent devotions about God’s promise to King David. God gifted David to be a mighty warrior and king, but the King of glory David speaks of in this psalm is not an earthly king at all. David can envision the LORD as King over all things.

The study notes in my Bible suggest this psalm may have been a song sung in call and response style. Picture the worship leader asking the question, “Who is the King of glory?” and the people singing out, “The LORD strong and mighty.” Indeed. The King of glory is the Messiah himself.

December 17 The New Branch (Isaiah 11:1-10)

Read Isaiah 11:1-10

Looking up view of a large tree with many branches

What beautiful images of peace and freedom! God will bring new life to the stump of David. Just as he promised in 2 Samuel 7, a descendant of David will rule forever. The Messiah will come and bring justice and salvation.

If you’ve ever watched new branches sprout from a tree, you know the beauty of seeing life continue, expand, and grow. This new Branch will be so much more fruitful than any branch ever before. This Branch is our promised king, and he will be the fair judge we long for today.

December 16 Praise the Lord (Psalm 146:5-10)

Read Psalm 146:5-10

Graphic design using yellow stick figures with arm raised to the sky in worship

Praise the Lord! Our reading from Psalms today is powerful praise and worship pointing to God’s mercy. This is especially true for those who “have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” I certainly believe God is most my most trustworthy advocate, and my hope is secure.

When I imagine God as my “helper,” my whole day shifts. Getting things done and figuring out best practices is so much easier when I ask God to help me. I’m pretty sure it works that way all the time. Sometimes I just forget to ask! How many hours have I wasted doing things the “long” way rather than asking God to show me the “best” way from the get-go?

December 15 God’s Favor (Isaiah 61:1-11)

Read Isaiah 61:1-11

A girl holding a cardboard sign that reads "BLESSED"

We may recall Jesus reciting the opening words of this passage in Luke 4. Jesus ends with these words before sitting down, “the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Isaiah prophesied about the LORD’s favor, and then Jesus proclaims the words had been fulfilled that very day.

Certainly, we do see Jesus as the one appointed to bring good news to the poor. We think of Jesus’ earthly mission as a care ministry, bringing peace and wholeness to those he encounters. What do we see when we read these same words with our Advent eyes?

December 14 When God Lives Among Us (Zephaniah 3:14-20)

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20

Hand doing the "OK" motion with sunshine streaming through the open "o"

Oh, what a day that will be when God comes to live among us! He already sent his son, Jesus to do just that all those years ago. That’s what we celebrate in less than two weeks. God incarnate. God lived among us as one of us! Not only was he 100% God, but he was also 100% human.

I know, the math doesn’t add up, but in God’s economy, it makes perfect sense. God can do even more than we can imagine. Our minds can’t even comprehend. It’s with that awe and gratitude I want to make the most of this day, this gift God has given me.