December 12 🌟 Revive Us! (Psalm 85:1-13)

Read Psalm 85:1-13

woman standing in a field of yellow flowers with her hands in the air, looking heavenward with a smile on her face

Are you feeling a bit weary? Have all the holiday preparations temporarily taken control of your life? Are you ready for a little injection of hope to revive you?

Perhaps the opening verses of this psalm will help you. Meditate on the message here for you. “LORD, you poured out blessings on your land! You restored the fortunes of Israel. You forgave the guilt of your people—yes, you covered all their sins.” Look around. We can see God’s blessings everywhere.

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

Read Malachi 3:1-4

fire burning brightly

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?

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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?

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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!

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December 8 🌟 Shout It Out (Isaiah 40:1-11)

Read Isaiah 40:1-11

A man with his hand near his mouth, mouth open as if shouting

I have the song “Comfort Ye My People,” from “The Messiah,” running through my head now. While this is a tenor solo, and I was an alto, I treasure precious memories of singing with my dad in our church choir growing up. Handel’s Messiah has a special place in my heart. The words of Isaiah in this passage are clearly the inspiration for that musical selection!

How do these words speak to you today wearing your “Advent Lenses”? We probably recognize the “someone” shouting in the wilderness, to be John, centuries later from when these words were written. “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD!” I’d like to think that we, too, can be messengers trying to clear through the “gunk” in this world to make a way for Jesus to be known.

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