Scripture provides the greatest epic ever told – it is a love story that shares the heart of God to engage intimately and transformatively with his creation. It spans the entire history of the world – this one and the next. The central character of this narrative is Jesus himself, and we can see his presence from beginning to end – to a whole new beginning again! To make this epic even better, God has written us into it as the focus of his divine love that draws near and awakens our hearts. This Advent season, as we remember Jesus’ birth and look expectantly for his return, we do so through the narrative arc of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
Sunday, December 1st: Scenes of Salvation: Promise. God’s masterpiece was complete, and it was perfect. But not long after the creation of humanity, we quickly brought sin into the world. In doing so, humanity introduced shame, fear, death, and a total need of salvation. In the midst of resulting curses, God provides the very first scene of salvation in an ambiguous prophecy to send his Son to save the world. In the midst of tragedy, God provides a way out. Consider your own life today, can you hear the promise of God to bring you salvation?
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Sunday, December 8th: Expectations abound during the holiday seasons. Some of those, like wanting the perfect Christmas experience, or peaceful family gatherings, may be unrealistic. It is in our nature to long for and look forward to something good. With God’s promise to redeem and restore the world, he will exceed even our highest expectations! Jesus’ birth was foretold, and fulfilled. We can have a sure and certain confidence that his promised return will also happen, and it will far exceed our greatest expectations.
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Sunday, December 15th: Proclamation. Usually when someone receives an announcement of a pregnancy, it is not the mother! But here, Mary is the one who receives the news from an angelic messenger. The birth of the promised Son of the Most High was at first troubling, but this soon resolves into a faithful declaration of humble submission to the Father’s plan to redeem the world. How do you respond to news? This Advent season, as we remember Jesus’ birth and look forward to his promised return, how might we hear the proclamation like Mary, with faithful humility? How might we join in the proclamation and share this good news with others?
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December 22nd: Preparation. Are you ready? Getting ready for Christmas involves so much to do. Maybe you have lists that include finding the right gifts, getting the festive foods ready for feasting, all the lights and decorations in place, travel plans, and family connections – just to name a few. There is so much to do to get ready! But as Jesus was preparing to begin his ministry, John the Baptist was already fulfilling his special purpose, to prepare the way for the world to receive its Savior! How in the world did he call on them to prepare? Repent! In the rush to prepare for celebrating our Savior’s birth and for his promised return, repentance needs to be at the top of our list.
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