Read: Luke 1: 5-25, 57-80, 3: 1-18 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=189922136
Tomorrow one of my favorite Advent characters, John the Baptizer, arrives. Luke chapters 1 & 3 gives us quite an extensive picture of John, his father Zechariah and his mother Elizabeth. And though we'll not find any of them represented in our nativity sets, they each were and are crucial participants in our story.
Zechariah, Elizabeth and John each opened their hearts to God's calling. Zechariah and Elizabeth said "yes" to being the parents of John--knowing their son would fill a critical role in the coming of the Messiah. John said "yes" to living a life that was centered in being prepared and preparing the way for the Messiah's arrival.
Our devotion for tomorrow invites a deeper look into John the Baptist's message. Today, I invite you to spend a few minutes reflecting on what it means to be prepared yourself and, as a Christian, to be one who is called to prepare the world to receive this amazing outpouring of God's love. How are you preparing for this season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany? And how are you preparing others to receive?
John was called to prepare the way proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. What are we called to proclaim this year? Is is enough just to say, "Merry Christmas?" Or is God calling us to say more, do more, live more?
Invite God's, "more," into your heart as we prepare again to receive the coming of the Lord.
Advent Blessings!
A simple girl, An ordinary man, An unforgettable destination! Join us as we share Adam Hamiliton's book and prepare our hearts to celebrate and receive the gift of Christ's Coming! Union Grove United Methodist Church 6407 Union Grove Church Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 967-1523
No comments:
Post a Comment