Today is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 
 
 
Simeon, scripture tells us, had been waiting his whole life ‘for the consolation of Israel’. To be consoled means to be comforted in grief. We might think of the Greek word paraclete – the word we use to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraclete literally means ‘one called alongside’. Or comforter. Israel was waiting, as was Simeon, for that comfort that only a savior would bring. In what ways are you waiting for the comfort of Christ today? In what ways do you see the world longing? 
 
Somehow – Simeon recognizes that the Christ child was God, come alongside of humanity. Luke tells us that “Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God”. Take time to prayerfully imagine this scene: they’re at the temple courts, fulfilling the standard duty of all Jewish parents to consecrate their child to the Lord. All of a sudden, and old man comes toward them. I imagine tears in his eyes. I imagine his praise coming out like a hushed and holy whisper. I imagine Simeon, holding the Christ child close, maybe resting forehead to forehead, feeling some sort of unexplainable relief: GOD IS WITH US. 
 
Take time now in personal prayer and imagine this scene. What is the Lord drawing your attention to? 

Our world remains desperate for consolation. We have in Christ the coming of the kingdom of God, and yet… we remain in between the now and the not yet of the kingdom. Intercede now for those who are desperate for consolation. Pray that the holy spirit – would draw near to those who live in shadows, that they might know the light of Christ.  This is how I pray: God of all comfort, please come alongside the brokenhearted, and rescue those who are crushed in spirit. And make me not only watchful and prayerful, but also faithful in my call to be your body in this world. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 
 

We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary? 
 
Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?  
 
Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness. 
 
Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 
  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
  
  
The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season? 
  
But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see. 
  
Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life. 
  
As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
  
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
  
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today is December 16th in the 3rd week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” 
 

This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you. 
 
We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today? 
 
Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it. 
 
Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee.
 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today is December 15 in the 3rd week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 29. 
 

In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field
    and the fertile field seem like a forest?
18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,
    and out of gloom and darkness
    the eyes of the blind will see.
19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;
    the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 The ruthless will vanish,
    the mockers will disappear,
    and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—
21 those who with a word make someone out to be guilty,
    who ensnare the defender in court
    and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.
22 Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
    no longer will their faces grow pale.
23 When they see among them their children,
    the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
    they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
    those who complain will accept instruction.”
 

Isaiah 29 offers a vision of hope and transformation. God promises that what feels barren will become fruitful, and what seems hopeless will be renewed. The deaf will hear, the blind will see, and justice will be restored. Even the complainers will experience understanding and change! This passage reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power to redeem. As we enter into prayer today, how do you find yourself? Are there situations in your life that feel ‘beyond God’s power’? Hold that before the Lord.
  
Hope in God is a key marker of Christians. There is not much in this temporal world that can give us true hope, or eternal hope. But hope in God will never disappoint. Advent is a season that helps us practice the Christian discipline of hope. Listen to the text again and consider that over the ages, God-followers have had to live in a place of expectation and waiting.

“once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Where do you experience a sense of being needy right now? Where do you see the needs of others? What can you do this week not only to pray, but to help meet needs? Of yourself, or of others? Ask the Lord as we end our time of prayer to draw near to you in your own places of desperation, and also to lead you to be responsive to His spirit in meeting needs of those around you.
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship

JOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent.

Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through things like the laughter of children and the sharing of a meal that we discover a deeper joy that can transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Psalm 30:11 declares, You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Consider, this advent, what it means to be ‘clothed’ with joy. The psalmist isn’t speaking of a joy that is denial of the hardships of life. Rather, it’s a joy that is transformational. A joy that takes something ordinary, or even something difficult… and transcends the momentary with the eternal. Take a moment to reflect on the sources of joy in your life: Where have you experienced unexpected joy? How has God used ordinary moments to bring extraordinary happiness to your heart? Who, this week, has brought you joy? (pause) The world around us is filled with lots of things, but not often with joy. How can we be bringers of joy in a world that is often overshadowed by sorrow and hardship

Consider the words from the prophet Zephaniah, chapter 3: Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[a] 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The psalmist writes: I will change their shame into praise. In faith, ask God to draw near to those who are brokenhearted, or ashamed, or who are in mourning, or for whom this time of year feels weighty or sad.

Pray the grace and goodness and joy of the Lord over all those who are lighting candles tonight. Like the prophet writes: ‘the lord our god is in our midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and quiet you by his love…” Amen

This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Today is December 12th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60. 
 

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 
 

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul. 
 
Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.  
 
Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ. 
 
All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Today is December 11th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.   
 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
 

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is? 
 
Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.  
 
Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of his kingdom.  

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow…  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Today is December 10th in the second week of Advent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  
 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” 
 

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel? 
 
“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him? 
 
As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’… 
 
This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.