CBSF 2017 Advent Devotions

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We are about a month deep into stores and homes putting out their Christmas decorations. There are cinnamon scented candles on every table, red and white candies in every bowl, and tree vendors in every vacant lot in town. We are neck deep in shopping lists, sales, and store flyers.

We all know what is coming, but are we prepared for it? No, I’m not talking about Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer, but instead something more miraculous, more scandalous, and more joyous: a Savior.

At Christmas, we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But why do that? John 3:16-21 gives us our answer as it starts off with “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” We celebrate because God was just showing His love for us.

Case closed, end of discussion, right?

That would be true if the miracle of Jesus ended with the birth, but that is only the beginning.

Yes, God loves us, but if it ends there, God remains distant. The beauty of all of this comes in verse 17 where we see that Jesus came not “to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus was born with the intent to redeem and reconcile. This helps us see that God is no longer far off, but instead nearer to us so that we can be brought closer to His presence.

This is what we celebrate: the birth of reconciliation, the birth of renewal, the birth of a Savior.

A few questions to get you thinking about the Advent season ahead: 1.

2.

3.

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5.

Is God’s love limited?

Why did God choose to save the world through Jesus instead of condemning it?

Why do these verse mention that those who do not believe are already condemned?

How can you show others the type of love God showed us?

Why is it difficult to show others the same love God does?

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With everything that has happened in the world recently, it is almost impossible to find hope.

How can one rejoice in the spirit of Christmas when people in Las Vegas, New York City, Sutherland Springs, and countless other places are suffering at the hands of evil? We sing carols about peace on Earth, but it seems merely a distant dream.

Matthew 4:16 says “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ, but what does this really mean? Above all else, it symbolizes the hope and peace that only Christ’s presence can bring. Just as this passage tells us, there is light in the face of darkness, even in the shadow of death.

As we begin to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas, let us pray that we can reflect the light of Christ onto the places where it is needed most.

Where are the places in your own life that could use a little of the light of Christ this Advent season? What is one step you can take, today, to make room for that light? Go, and do.

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Every time I read these verses, particularly verse 3, I think of the song “The Shadowlands” by Ryan Adams. In particular, they make me think of these verses: God, please bring the rain Yeah, and bring it soon Let it flood right through the houses Into Judy's room Please lead her to the mountain That you fashioned out of sand While the roaches climb the walls From the hotel where he calls Super cheery, right? Though I can’t find a specific meaning for the song, fans online have speculated that Adams wrote it mainly to create a somber mood rather than a specific narrative.

Perhaps this is why it’s a nice song to have in the background while reading these verses (or while looking at the calendar with sorrow that break is ending faster than you realized).

Whether or not you choose to listen to the song, I’d like you first to reflect on whether these Psalm verses leave you with an uplifting feeling or a feeling of sadness (I do hope my reference to the song above didn’t ruin your mood if it was in fact uplifting to you). Is calling out to God to send guidance something we usually do when we’re content, or in a place of despair or worry?

What if our despair and worry are the reasons we don’t seek guidance when we’re content, or find ourselves having difficulty to bring praises?

Read the verses again with this in mind. I read these as a narrative of asking God for guidance, exhibiting the desire to praise God, but then having trouble doing so because of a troubled heart and mind. What is your interpretation? Do you see the Psalmist as a person in a stable state, or someone who is feeling uneasy?

In the time leading up to Christmas, we sing hymns at church of preparation, anticipation, and, eventually, celebration. But is your soul at ease when you read or sing those words? I encourage you to take a few moments, doodle, space out, or just listen to Shadowlands on loop for a few minutes (there’s a really nice guitar piece at the end). Has God led you out of your shadowland?

Do you feel comfortable asking for guidance from him, or does it make you feel guilty? End with a prayer and ask God that He might put your soul at ease and allow you to put your hope in Him.

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The first thing I did this morning when I woke up was turn on the light. The last thing I did last night before I went to sleep was look out my window at my family's Christmas lights. Light is a wonderful thing that we are blessed to have an abundance of in our society. We usually take light for granted, until we lose power.

Now think back to 30 AD; they were living in a perpetual power outage. Once the sun went down, they were entirely dependent on candles or the moon to see anything. In this context, Jesus's words take on a whole new meaning; light is a scarce and precious resource that we are blessed to have. We need to make good use of this light that we are given, because it won't last.

Jesus's words remind us that we should stay in His light as we seek to walk the straight and narrow path. For if we are ruled by darkness, we do not know where we are going; we wander aimlessly. Fortunately, in these verses, Christ also makes a promise to those who believe in the light: we will become children of light. Not only does this mean that the light will protect us from darkness, but it actually means that we begin to glow as well. We must take the little light that we have been given, and let it shine for all the world to see.

Today, as you prepare for the coming of the Messiah, the light and savior of the world, look for ways to let your light shine in the world around you.

We often tie light into the Christmas season yet we cannot deny the darkness that encroaches on it each year. Where do you see darkness in your own life and community? What is one thing that you could do today to shine light in that situation or life?

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Advent is a time of waiting. In that first Advent many, many years ago, people were waiting for a prophecy to be fulfilled (see Isaiah 7:14, 9:6). Today, we are waiting for the return of Jesus. So why is waiting such a big deal?

Waiting, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “to look forward expectantly,” which is indicative of action. Actively waiting rather than sitting on your thumbs idly is essential for your faith. There are those among us who have yet to experience the love that we, as Christians, have received from our Savior. You might be wondering why “our” is bolded…. Since becoming a follower of Christ, I have heard numerous sermons discussing how we tend to keep Jesus in our own little box when we should be sharing him with everyone. I believe there is some truth to this idea that we like to keep Jesus to ourselves. Whether we do this intentionally or not, it happens when we only spend time with those who are like-minded, fellow Christians. It is our mandate to be “the salt of the Earth” and “a light to the world.” Inherently then, we must go out into the world and provide both physical and spiritual nourishment to those hunger and thirst for a relationship with God.

As you move through this season of “waiting,” how might you be keeping Jesus in a personal “box?” How might Immanuel, “God with us,” be bigger than your expectations today? What are ways you might be called to widen the reach of Christ through your life this Advent season?

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The story of Jeremiah is a book that starts with God calling Jeremiah to be a prophet for Israel, a person who proclaims the will of God. When Jeremiah was alive, Israel was in a fallen state where sin was immense. Israel had broken the covenant with God (Ten Commandments; Exodus 20). Israel was worshiping idols and had turned a blind eye to sin. The role of Jeremiah was to give judgment to the Israelites and to warn them that if they were to continue that an enemy would come. The Israelites continued to worship other gods and thus the Babylonians came and the people of Israel were put in exile. Jeremiah's prophecy was about the judgment that would occur, but it also includes the hope for the nation of Israel. Jeremiah professed the restoration of Israel after it was under exile and that God would send a Messiah, from the line of David, who we now know as Jesus.

In Jeremiah’s time, Israel was so far into sin that it could not save themselves. They were worshiping other gods and had many idols. Israel was hopelessly lost even though Jeremiah told them what they needed to hear to turn toward the right path.

Where in your life are you worshiping idol? It may not be physical idol, could be something that you are expecting to fulfill the longing and desire to be of value. It could be a girlfriend or boyfriend, school, grades, or social media. These things can be good, and are significant in our life, but can stand in the way of worshiping God who is worthy of praise. What might you need to begin to change to move from “idol worship” to worship God fully this Advent season?

Today, remember that God is one who can provide us with real value and life, just as Jeremiah promises to Israel that there is a messiah who will make all of Israel well again.

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It feels as though we have all the time in the world to be a good Christian, but that is a false assumption. We are closer to eternal salvation than we were when we first became believers. The time for us to exemplify what it means to be a Christian and make a difference is right now. It cannot wait.

We should shed the clothing of our sinful nature and clothe ourselves in Jesus' presence. We should refrain from participating in immoral acts of living and instead spend our days doing Godly works.

This day, keep your head clear of temptation. Do not continue to live a life full of selfish sinful ways. Hang up your old ways, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ.

As we continue to move through the Advent season, leading up to the birth of Christ at Christmas, we often lose sight of the realities of Jesus’ full story. The baby that would be born in the manger, bringing joy to the world, would also face a painful end. As you celebrate the beginning of the life of Christ this Advent, don’t lose sight of the wholeness of who he was and what he would do. The promise of Christmas is as much about the baby in a manger as it is about a man on a cross and an empty tomb. Today, remember that this journey is not about our desires, but about a God working to restore the world in which we live.

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With the coming of Christ approaching us, this passage of scripture is perfect for the season of Advent. It talks about how when we accept Christ into our lives, we are now living in the light, rather than in the darkness of the world. Saying that we should act like it, talk like it, and love like it.

Verse 11 talks about having nothing to do with the darkness, but to rather expose it. This could be taken as “instead of doing the bad stuff, make it better.” Sometimes around Christmas, we often think about all of the bad stuff, the darkness, and we lose sight of the light. We fall into a routine of darkness, rather than remembering that Jesus has covered us in light by giving his life for us, and accepting us into his family.

As children of God, we should strive this Christmas season to be the light, and to expose darkness as we wait for the arrival of Christ. Live to please Christ this Advent, and shine the light wherever you go. Strive to please Christ as we await his light bringing arrival. We should not sit around and allow darkness to take a hold of us, but rather combat that darkness with the light of Christ. As verse 14 says, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

This Advent, let us be awake in the light and love that comes with being a child of God.

As you spend time with your community today, reflect on what it means to be a part of the large family of God. How are you, and your community, welcoming people into that family today?

How can you, and your community, do more to welcome people, and expose the darkness in the world, this Advent season?

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When my brothers and I were young, our mother would often turn on the news after dinner so we could watch together as a family. We would curl up next to each other, enjoying each other’s warmth and company, and discuss current events as they popped up on the screen. This was one of my favorite childhood memories; I cherished that valuable family time after our arduous, busy schedules.

The world’s access to current events has increased tenfold since I was a young boy. With that increase comes a higher awareness of mankind’s fallen sinful nature: murders, wars, and natural disaster await us every time we use the Internet. This repeated desensitization to tragedy can make us forlorn, despaired, and hopeless. However, this is not a fitting response for the Christian, as God provides comfort and hope for his children through his Word.

In Isaiah 11, God describes the new kingdom that Jesus will establish when he returns to the Earth. In this kingdom, Jesus will be a glorious and righteous King who cares for the poor and judges the wicked. There will be no violence or destruction, to the point that even animals will be at total peace with one another. It’s a world of inconceivable peace and happiness, only available to us because of God’s loving redemptive orchestration of history. His supreme historical act was putting Jesus in the world 2000 years ago.

Today, spend some time thinking through why Jesus was introduced into the world in the first place. He is our hope, in whom we will have eternal, abundant life in a world free from sorrow, pain, and affliction. He is the Root of Jesse, miraculously born of the Virgin Mary to die for our sins so that we can inherit his kingdom. These are the truths we should remind ourselves of every day, instead of the depressing images of mankind's present condition. How can you find hope in Jesus today?

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The main and general message of this passage is that God is light and without God in your life, there is a lot of darkness. If you love him and have faith in him, he will shine his light upon you.

He will help light your path to keep you on a path of kindness, beauty, and joy. If you walk with God in his path of light then you will also be on that path with others who walk with God.

Everyone who holds faith and trust in God will be on the path of light and will hold unspoken friendships with one another. When we accept his light and his unconditional love then we will be purified of any sins we have made whether big or small. God is complete light without a trace of darkness and with him in your life, you will have little darkness.

We write our joy by holding God in our hearts and displaying his words throughout our life.

What do you think light represents?

What does it mean to walk in the light?

How can you walk in the light in your everyday life?

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At some point in our lives each one of us have used our voices to cause harm rather than to promote love. We have used our ears to listen to gossip rather than to listen for cries for help.

Our hearts carry grief and sorrow from the past and that often prevents us from reaching out to God when we need help and also keeps us from reaching out to help others in their times of need.

Our minds have been on the struggles and expectations of the world and not on the One who could free us from that bondage.

In Isaiah chapter 6, Isaiah confesses his sin to God and his guilt is cleared away by the Seraphim with coal. Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. The focus of the world will be on the King of Kings who is love. The King of Kings will speak love to those whose life is absent of love, is the One who’s voice will redirect our attention to words of hope, and is the same One who will pull on our hearts with words of comfort and peace. The world will never be the same when the One arrives.

Let us rejoice and allow our heart, mind and soul to focus on the only One who will free us from the bondage of sin. The King of Kings, Jesus Christ will bring love, peace, comfort, and hope this season.

A “breath prayer” is an ancient Christian practice that exists to aid in spiritual growth. With a breath prayer, you pause throughout the day and pray a phrase in one breath. Today, spend some time praying a “breath prayer” using the words: “Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming.” As you do this, let these prayers serve as a reminder that Jesus’ presence will not just return one day, but does so all around you even now.

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

Here we see the beginning of everything described to us. Before the heavens and the earth were created, it was just God we see it for what it was. Then we see life being brought into the nothingness. It brings to mind the beginning of anything. When it is just an idea.

Everyone has felt scared or nervous when starting a project or something new. But there is delight in that feeling as well. There is delight in the new adventure that you will embark on.

Even if others do not understand it, do not falter. Venture into your unknown. Even if the unknown is dark and scary, know that the light you create is your own. So carve your path through the darkness, just as God did.

Jesus often spent his time in places, and with people, not expected of a Rabbi of his day. How might Jesus be coming in the unlikely places you wouldn’t expect? How can you become more aware to those people, moments, and places in your life today?

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These verses from Isaiah compare people and their faith as grass and flowers, respectfully. When we believers and non-believers alike go through difficult times, such as the loss of a friend or family member, our faith is often shaken, sometimes to the point that we become uprooted. If our faith becomes uprooted, and we are separated from God because we are angry and want to question God’s motives, God is still there for us. If your faith appears dead, God is there. If your faith is wavering, God is there for you. No matter where you are with your faith, God is there. He is always there, and is calling each of us back to him if we have grown distant from His love and care. Once we are back in the loving arms of God, our faith can be restored, and the flowers of faith will grow back.

As believers, it is our duty to bring non-believers to Christ for the first time, but also to help rekindle the faith of those who already believe. Both groups of individuals need to be embraced by a community of faith that is willing to take Jesus out of the proverbial “box” that was mentioned earlier so that ALL of us may experience the peace and love that comes as a part of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, who “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11).

As you move through the next few days, try to take some time to show others the presence of Christ.

It can be as simple as saying hello to a stranger as you hold the door for them, or if you want to be a little more adventurous, give an hour or two of your time at a local soup kitchen or volunteer organization of choice. Whatever you choose to do, just remember, by actively waiting for Christ’s return, you are changing someone’s life for the better without necessarily knowing it.

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It may seem strange to be reading the story of the magi this early in the Advent season. After all, they don’t arrive to see Jesus until a while after his birth! The reality is, however, that the Magi’s journey began long before they stepped foot into the home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. We’re told that these star gazers followed a star from “the East,” in order to pay homage to a new king who had been born.

While this journey is just a quick plane ride today, it would have taken much, much longer in the ancient world.

For many of us, we wish Christmas would just hurry and arrive. We long for the gifts, food, and family that comes with the holiday and it can’t arrive fast enough. For others of us, we just want to get through it all. We grow quickly tired of garland, crooning carolers, and wishes of holiday greetings at every turn.

The reminder given to us by these traveling astronomers is that the journey toward Christmas is never quick. Whether we love or hate the pilgrimage, we shouldn’t rush its arrival. The journey toward Christmas is best done slowly, with meditation on the fullness of the life that has been born.

After all, Jesus is “God with us.”

This Advent, slow down and enjoy the journey. Don’t wish it to rush by, but instead look for Christ in the moments and memories that swirl around you even now. Find hope in the promise of the manger, love in the community around you, joy in the festivity of the season, and seek peace in all you do. The journey is just beginning… where will you let God take you?

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Today is Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of advent. The word Gaudete is a Latin word meaning rejoice, stemming to a Christmas carol that is believed to have been composed in the 16th century AD.

To rejoice, the action of having joy, is the basis of this Sunday in Advent. The point of this day of advent is the gentle happiness that is joy that comes from serving during this season of anticipation.

Isaiah reminds us that God’s glory is on us and that we should shine like lights in this world of darkness. Once we individually come to know God, it is our job to go and share God’s presence as lights in the world- just as the pink candle does on our Advent wreathes today.

Where do you find joy in your day-to-day life? Where is God calling you to bring rejoicing and joy in your community this Advent?

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Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet who cried out from the wilderness, is quoted here in the third chapter of Luke as John also found himself walking through the wilderness. John, after hearing God’s word found it necessary to make sure that every person he came into contact with was made aware of God and God’s desire for all people to be baptized and become followers of God.

Just as Isaiah and John were called by God to be prophets in the midst of the wilderness, we, too, are called by God to be prophets- to cry for justice, to speak truth to lies, to love without reserve, and to be peacemakers to chaos. Author, Brene Brown says, “Being ourselves means sometimes having the courage to stand alone.”1 This season of Advent may you have the courage to stand alone and courageously live out God’s word wherever you go, may you be a person who practices gratitude, and may you be a voice for the voiceless in the middle of whatever wilderness you find yourself.

For today’s reflection, spend some time journaling.

Your prompt: Where is God be calling me to be a prophet in my community today?

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Brene Brown. Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. New York: Random House Publishing Group, 2017. 32.

During Christmas, it is a great feeling to give and receive gifts. As Advent season arrives, it is important to remember the giver and the greatest gift we have ever received. Receiving Jesus Christ from God has been the biggest blessing to the lives of Christians. For this, we must be thankful, as 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 suggests.

With Jesus in our lives, our reason for living and our testimony is confirmed. We live for the one who makes our lives better each and every day. We also live for the one who gives us strength to live each day so that we can be considered blameless! Yet we still sin on a daily basis, but the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ wipes away the weight, depth, and burden that comes with our sins. Finally, we are called to cherish the companionship with Jesus Christ.

For all of this, we must be thankful. I am thankful to an understanding God who wanted to understand us more and walk among us. I am thankful for the grace, spiritual gifts, and blessings that God provides each and every one of us every day. I am also thankful that I am able to grow in fellowship with God every day.

During this season Advent, let us remember to lift our thankful hearts to God the provider who gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive.

Make a list of the 10 things you’re most thankful for in your life. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for providing those things today.

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As a college student practically crawling to the end of fall semester, I can’t help but think I’ve stayed awake just about enough. If you’re like me, when it comes to school assignments, internships, and any other form of work, you’re vigilant.

In many ways, this work can be a calling. Yet, in the midst of our attention to meaningful studies and other preparations for the future, how often have we rushed passed opportunities to fulfill God’s calling right here in this moment? When have we turned our heads away from an opportunity to take in the stranger? Love those who are hard to love? Include those who are hard to include? Make friends with the friendless? Clothe the naked? Feed the poor? Give time and money to those who need it more than us?

In what ways have we stayed awake for work, but fallen asleep on God?

God, in this advent season when we are particularly tuned to your message, let us be people who change our priorities. Make us people who look first to extend your grace, thereby keeping watch to your dreams for the world.

God, in this advent season when we are particularly tuned to your message, let us be people who change our priorities. Make us people who look first to extend your grace, thereby keeping watch to your dreams for the world.

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The shepherds have come to the stable, have seen the newly born Messiah, and have relayed to the family the messages the angels had told them about the child. Everyone was amazed at the wonder of God for sending these messages through the angels, through the way he works, and through the prophecy realized. Mary however was quiet and contemplative, taking this all in, not grasping what all of this meant for her child but she knew it was similar to what the angel Gabriel told her when she was told she was carrying the Son of God.

We as Christians are not called to understand the mysterious wonders of God. We are simply called to be amazed and treasure His words, and be content in knowing He is at work always for the good of all. Mary didn’t understand what the Lord had planned for her child but she was content and kept the words of everyone close to her heart because she knew it was for good.

This holiday season, rest in the peace of God’s fullness, knowing that He is in control and He provides blessings we don’t understand yet. The plan will be revealed in His perfect timing.

Treasure the simple joys and the ways in which God shows up in our lives, even if we don’t understand what He is doing quite yet.

In what area of your life do you feel yourself struggling to let God have the reins?

Where has God shown up when you didn’t expect it?

Reflect and give thanks to God for the small nuggets of joy He provides every day.

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Think of how many places you have been: high school, college, walking on the main strip of downtown, anywhere. Think of all the people you have met and seen online: Facebook, blogs, forums, YouTube, Instagram, online video games. What is their story? You might have brushed into a Youtuber with over 3 million subscribers, or maybe someone who invented the sugar packets that you put in your coffee. There may be someone you are following on a blog who has a closer relationship with God than you could ever imagine. It could be someone that has been to multiple countries and shown the Light of God to families in desperate need of spiritual guidance.

It could be John; someone who never saw himself as the forerunner of Christ. People claimed he was the Messiah by how great his testimony shined. When they asked him “What makes you so special?” he said “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” He didn’t claim to have all the answers, but he knew who did. At some period in his life he made the decision to go through a dark and dangerous world, guided by the light of God so that he could lead people to God’s future plan for all humanity.

It could be you.

What can you do today to bring hope to the people around you? Pray to God in seeking guidance so that you can witness him in this dark world. You may not be the light, but you can show people where to find it

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As we journey toward Christmas, it is easy to allow our earthly needs-and the ways of society-to steer us away from remembering the value of anticipating Christ’s coming. In Isaiah 2, the prophet talks about how God will judge between the nations and settle disputes of many nations.

Despite all the evil in the world, God never leaves us. God is always eager to listen, to comfort, and to draw us closer. The Christian response to suffering is not to assume that God wouldn’t give us too much to handle; it’s that suffering does not define us.

Because of Christ’s coming and his presence in this broken world, we need to have faith that he will guide us into the light when all we are able to see is darkness. Because of God, nations will no longer learn how to make war amongst one another. Instead, we will learn to grow in community with each other by sharing the love and light of Christ.

Spend some time today meditating on what it means, for you, to anticipate the coming of Christ.

Why do you need Christ’s presence today?

Know that you’re not alone today! You not only journey with others in the community of Christ, God is also always with you.

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Can you hear it?

The singing? The shouting?

Something is happening.

Someone is coming.

The news has been rather bleak lately. We saw hurricanes demolish entire countries. We saw broken individuals rise up and strike down their innocent sisters and brothers. We saw a resurgence of white supremacy. Or rather, we saw what happens when a serious infection is not properly tended to. We saw the fires as genocide was carried out against religious minorities. We saw nations threaten to obliterate other nations. We saw many horrible things over these past few months.

But listen.

Listen close.

Lin-Manuel Miranda raised money for hurricane relief through a song.

The voices calling for reform are growing louder.

Churches are condemning white supremacy for the sin against God it is.

There are still dark, winding roads left to go.

Do not fear! Do not let your hands grow weak! The Lord, your God, is in your midst.

Rejoice!

We will be renewed in God’s love, and we shall fear disaster no more.

Do you hear it? A baby is crying.

That first Christmas Eve, a world sat unaware of what was happening in its midst. While shepherds at in their fields, Kings held court in their palaces, soldiers guarded gates, and families slept in their beds- a Savior was being born in a manger. Today, a world still sits unaware of the coming of Christ each day. How can you better listen for his voice in the world around you?

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Simeon waited a long time to lay eyes upon baby Jesus. The beauty of the moment when he finally reaches his goal is the climax of this story. How can you look at or think about anything else, when the embodiment of genuine love and salvation is nestled softly in your arms?

But perhaps we can learn something by looking elsewhere for a moment. After all, we have likely not yet reached the equivalent to Simeon’s revelation in our own experiences with God. The point where we are is likely somewhere in that “dead space” between Simeon’s revelation and its later fulfillment.

In those many years “in-between,” how did Simeon not doubt his faith? How did he continue “looking forward” when he burned a loaf of bread in the oven, or had to watch a loved one pass away? How did he not get bored?

Honestly, maybe Simeon did have doubts, maybe he did get angry and sad, and maybe he did experience boredom. And maybe we do have the same doubts, forgetfulness, and boredom in our faith journeys. God will follow through on God’s promises, but “looking forward” doesn’t mean that we’re always happy and hopeful. The “in-between” will have joys and sorrows, but God will guide us, as Simeon was guided, to exactly where we need to be. The important thing for us is to let God guide us when God is ready – so we don’t miss something as magnificent as the great Christ right before our eyes.

As you sit with family, and open presents, it is easy to lose sight of the reason we spend the day in celebration. How can you, like Simeon, find joy and hope in the coming of Christ this Christmas? How is God guiding you to find, and be, the gift of Christ in the world today?

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At Christmastime, everyone suddenly becomes very concerned about Christ and keeping him in the holiday. People want stores to be full of nativity scenes and coffee cups to be emblazoned with Christian symbols. Everyone suddenly becomes very concerned about “the reason for the season.”

But what about in February? What about in the cold winter month after Advent has ended, and the jolly songs have finally faded off the radio waves? Will there be cries to remember the reason for Christmas then?

In these verses, Jesus is predicting his own death, although that is unbeknownst to his audience. He says to them that the light will only be with them a little while longer before the darkness takes over, that he will only be on Earth for a short time before he must return to be with his Father. So what is his advice? His advice is to walk in the light now, so that they can have it in the darkness later, when they truly need the light to guide them.

In my home church, my pastor used to say this phrase every Christmas, when the candlelight service was over and everyone was getting ready to leave: “Now go and take the Christmas spirit with you all year long.” That is what we, as Christians, should do during this holiday season. We should take our Christmas spirit, our excitement for Jesus, our light, and wear it all year round – even in the dark of February.

Many of us celebrate Christmas on December 25 and then check-out of the season. We’ve opened the gifts, sang the carols, enjoyed time with family and now are ready to move on to what’s next. While many of us may be worn out from the festivities of the season, the call is to not lose sight of what the whole of Christmas really means. Today, how are you continuing to celebrate the coming of Christ as you move into another year?

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God wants us, his followers to share the gospel with everyone. God wants us to share the gospel with our friends, family, co-workers. Everyone that comes in our path, share the gospel. God put the word in us, so we can be the light to others. God wants our light to shine bright. God wants our light to shine so bright that it is blinding. Our love for God and Jesus Christ the son of God is our light. Our light is the love we have for them and what they have done for us.

Our job as Christians, followers of Christ, believers of God sending his only begotten son to die on the cross for us and our sins, we need to be the light. We need to help the people that were once Christians that may have fallen on the wrong path. We need to help the ones that are lost.

We need to help our brothers and sisters find God’s love because we know there is nothing in this world that compares to God’s love for us.

Be the light God is putting in you. Shine bright. Now is your time to shine and spread the word.

Share the gospel.

Who is God calling you to share the good news of Jesus with in the year ahead?

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The prophet had said that the boy was to be named Emmanuel which means, “God is with us.”

It’s quite a name to live up to. Christians attempt to make sense of how much Jesus is God with us. In Trinitarian terms, it isn’t so much that Jesus is merely like God, but it is an affirmation that God is like Jesus. That is to say, we understand the values of God by looking at the teachings, the character, and values of Jesus of Nazareth.

The world into which Jesus was born was ruled by kings who ruled by violence, who valued wealth, and who looked down upon those without power. The way of the world is to hate enemies and often the method is violence or coercion. But Jesus taught to love enemies and to not use the methods of evil. Unlike other rabbis, Jesus taught women. He welcomed children, embraced the poor, and loved the despised. Jesus’ life demonstrated that God cares about the disinherited.

Unlike the concept of the clockmaker god, who creates the world and then leaves it to run on its own, Emmanuel means that God is with us. If Jesus is any indication of what God is like, God is with us and God loves us and that is good news, indeed.

Jesus often spent his time in places, and with people, not expected of a Rabbi of his day. How might Jesus be coming in the unlikely places you wouldn’t expect? How can you become more aware to those people, moments, and places in your life today?

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Brokenness has many different forms. Have you ever experienced negative self-talk? “I am just terrible at math...” “I don’t like ____ when I look in the mirror...” “What is my problem? Why can’t I do this?” In addition to our sometimes harsh feelings towards ourselves, have you ever thought these things about someone else? Or have you ever compared someone else’s brokenness to your strength to justify yourself or make yourself feel better?

Our society is one that focuses so strongly on competition. We receive awards for being the best speller, the fastest runner, the most talented dancer, and are pushed to excel academically and in our extracurriculars. This causes us to scrutinize people’s abilities – making comparisons and ranking qualities. And it is easy to assume that others don’t work as hard or just “aren’t as good” if they cannot do what we do. However, brokenness – in some degree – is inevitable for every human.

What if, during this advent season - instead of picking on people’s brokenness to make ourselves feel better - we look for what they are good at and figure out how we can use our strengths to work alongside them in a project, notice what they lack and help them out, and keep a thoughtful spirit about what we have that we can so easily offer and share with others. What if we accept help and admit our own brokenness, as well? What if, through these interactions, we’re able to experience the presence of God working in our lives – teaching us lessons we can only learn by working together with and for others.

Today, take time to pray that you can identify times to offer help to others and know when to receive love and help in return.

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When I was in the fifth grade, there was a boy named Sam in our class that we always made fun of. He was an odd kid, that farted all the time, and picked his boogers in the middle of class. We didn’t care about him farting, but the boogers were too far. We would make fun of him in front of his face and behind his back.

One night as I was going to bed, I started think about him. And I started feeling terrible. I cried to my mom saying that all my friends were making fun of this one kid at school (not admitting that I was doing it myself). At the end of the conversation, my mom said, “could you just be friends with him?” And I remember thinking that I could, but I didn’t want to because then my friends would make fun of me the same. I was not welcoming Sam.

This might seem like a silly story, but it is true and I think it sheds light on a deeper truth. In verse 7, it says to “Welcome one another”. Verse 5 says, “live in harmony”. Verse 6, “together you may glorify the God…” What I think this story shows is that we have a problem with labeling people as other. A major problem. We could spend hours discussing this topic, but in a nutshell, this Romans passage is about bringing the Gentiles and Jews together because that’s what God desires. God desires us to do the same with all people.

Who is someone you have decided you don’t want to have any type of relationship with? Why? Should you rethink that decision? Who is someone that might not want to welcome you? How can you mend that relationship?

Say a brief prayer that God would show you these people in your life and that you might have the opportunity to fulfill what God desires. Start small if you need.

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I went to college in Williamsburg, which meant I spent a lot of my free time walking the streets in Colonial Williamsburg. Every fall the brick maker’s shop fires all the bricks needed for the year. Brick making is a yearlong process of creating bricks out of mud clay, allowing them to dry, stacking them, and stoking the very hot fire for days. The brick makers work as apprentices for years, learning to make bricks well and lay masonry to build houses, shops and walkways before they can work on their own.

While Jesus was on earth he mentored his apprentices, the disciples, teaching them how to be Kingdom builders. Christ came to earth not only to die for our salvation but also to teach the disciples how to build the Church. Jesus called one of his disciples, Peter, the rock on which the Church would be built.

Today in this passage in 1 Peter, we are each called to be living stones of this Church in our own communities. We are chosen as God’s people and called to be continuing the work Jesus’ disciples started. There are no physical walls and doors to Christ’s Church, we are the building carrying out God’s presence into the world. We are called to be witnesses to the world of the glory of Christ.

As we look ahead on a new year, how will you focus on being an apprentice of Jesus’ teachings?

And how will you live out your life as a holy, chosen person of God? If you’re making New Year’s resolutions, think about including a few that are framed by your answer to those questions.

As you head into this new year, remember that God has chosen you to help build the Church!

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