Advent reflections – Page 5

Galatians 4:4-5 – God’s Child

Read Galatians 4:4-5

God’ Son is Jesus, but we can call ourselves “children” of God according to these words from Paul. Stop for a moment to reflect on what it means to be a child of God. It’s comforting, isn’t it? It sure makes me look at the world a little differently. I’m pretty sure most of the people walking down the street don’t know Jesus like I do and know they can be children of God, too.

This is an interesting passage to use for an Advent reflection, but it speaks to Jesus’ role in the world then and now. It’s a bit of the gospel, Jesus’ birth story, and our future hope all wrapped up together. What jumped out to you in this reading? Continue reading “Galatians 4:4-5 – God’s Child”

Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain

Read Micah 4:1-5

Our Advent reading points to the LORD’s mountain. Remember during Advent we are remembering and celebrating Jesus’ first coming as well as looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. It’s a meaningful time to dig deep into God’s word for messages hidden there for us.

Even though this is an Old Testament text from Micah, it points forward, all the way to the last days. Some people say we’re living in those last days. What does this text say to us if that is truly the case? After all, people for generations have been seeing the signs. All we can do is agree that God’s timing will be perfect. Continue reading “Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain”

Advent ? John 14:1-3 – Trust

Have you ever wondered where Jesus went when he left his followers on the mountain that day? Luke tells us in Acts 1 about Jesus’ ascension. In his last in-person appearance, Jesus was “taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.” (Acts 1:9) Surely the disciples must have wondered where he went!

Jesus had prepared them, and these verses from John 14:1-3 tell us where Jesus might have gone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Advent? Matthew 24:42-44 – Watch

This Advent reading comes from Jesus’ teaching on the future found in Matthew 24:

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

Jesus is coming back. He said so himself. Even as we draw closer to the celebration of His first coming, I’m still excited for Jesus’ second coming. Jesus gives us a warning here we should to pay attention to. “Keep watch!” Since we’re not meant to know exactly when he’s coming, being on watch will assure we are not drifting away from God’s loving arms. The not knowing can also make the waiting and watching much harder.

December 25 ? Eternal Word (John 1:1-14)

Read John 1:1-14

Merry Christmas!! I love this reading from John’s gospel. John takes a little different approach to the story of Jesus’ birth. His incarnation as a baby was not the beginning. Not even close. Jesus was with God, was God, at the creation of all that exists.

As we have journeyed together this Advent, we have read about John, the man God sent to “tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.” Jesus is that light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” We certainly are living in times of darkness in need of a Savior!