City Church Advent Devotional

Scripture Reading: Daniel 7:14; Rev 19:6-8

 The Birth & Eternal Reign of the King

Merry Christmas...the day is here!  The beginning of a kingdom, a kingdom that has no end.  Christmas Day is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also the celebration of the beginning of his everlasting dominion.  All throughout this advent season we have reflected on what the Bible has had to say about the baby born on that day so many years ago. The baby who grew up in Nazareth, who preached the good news of the Kingdom of God, who died on a cross as an atonement for sin, and who three days later rose again conquering death itself.  The same man who rose into heaven, will return again to judge the living and the dead and gave us his followers the task of telling the world about it.

Many songs have been written about love.  However, one of my favorites is Psalm 118. It reminds us that the greatest form of love is not a temporary love that ends with death, but an everlasting love that defines eternity. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever!”

That is a heady thought.  Anything that last forever is hard to grasp, let alone love. Yet here we are, 2000 years later, celebrating that love with millennia of believers.  And we take todays next step in the anticipation of another moment to come. The moment that also will last for an eternity.  When we will see our savior face to face. So, today let’s remember that this really is the first day of the rest of our lives.  Our lives in Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1.     How are you investing in the Christ’s eternal kingdom?  Are you living for your own temporary domain or for the “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away”?

2.     What is the most intense moment of love that you can remember?  How does love change as it lasts for a longer and longer time?

3.     Have you ever wondered what it would sound like to hear all of heaven singing “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” in Rev. 19? Listen to Handel's Messiah below to hear what he thought it would sound like.

Family Activity:

Handel's Messiah

Reflect and consider, as Handel did when writing 'the Messiah', how the sound of that great multitude singing “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” will sound like.  How awesome would it be to be part of that choir!

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:35; Luke 3:21-22; Heb 4:14-16

The Future of Christ –Anticipation - Salvation & Return

“Are we there yet?,” is the question that every child asks on a long trip. “Can’t we open just one present?,” is the question that every kid seems to ask on Christmas Eve.  It is easy to see why Christmas Eve is the one day of the year when anticipation overflows many hearts.

There is much to look forward to including  presents, family dinners and the chance to sit back and relax. However, is it really presents and family dinners we need to be looking forward to, or something more?

This passage in Luke 2 is centered on the theme of anticipation and fulfillment.  The first sense of anticipation begins not with Simeon but with God the Father.  Many centuries earlier, God had given his people in Israel the Law through Moses and instructed them to bring their firstborn sons to present them before the Lord and to offer a sacrifice.  When God gave this law, he already knew that one day it would be His Son that would be brought to the temple.  The obedience Joseph and Mary showed by taking their new baby boy to the temple in Jerusalem was the fulfillment of this anticipatory law.

Likewise, Simeon had learned by the Holy Spirit that he was to see the Lord’s Christ (anointed) in his lifetime, and that this baby was to be God’s salvation to man.  Simeon was very old and perhaps had been waiting many years for the fulfillment of this promise. The blessing he shared gave Joseph and Mary a marvelous sense of wonder to hear that Jesus was to be the way of salvation.  Yet, they could not have foreseen how eternally significant that promise was to be, for not even death would be able to hold the Son of God. 

As followers of Christ, we should hold the feeling of anticipation close to our hearts, just as Mary did. It’s Christmas Eve and anticipation is in the air! As we look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, let’s reflect also on the wonder and joy that awaits us upon his return. Anticipate the return of Jesus! A baby no more.  A dead man on a cross no more, but our glorified Lord returned to judge the living and the dead, to give us the present of his presence and to gather the church for the most glorious family dinner of all time. Let the anticipation of Christmas morning fill your heart with excitement and yet lift your gaze beyond it, towards the long anticipated hope of Christ’s second coming. Come quickly Lord Jesus!   

Reflection Questions:

1.     What do you look forward to seeing in your own lifetime?

2.     How does the knowledge of the imminent return of Jesus change the way you live? Does the thought of God planning and anticipating the moment of Jesus’ birth change the way you think about tomorrow?

Family Activity: 

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Share things you are looking forward to.

• Kids:  Share one thing you are looking forward to on Christmas Day and one thing you are looking forward to next year.  

• Adults: Share one thing you are looking forward to on Christmas Day, one thing for next year, and one thing you look forward to seeing in your lifetime.

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14

Have you ever wondered how old Jesus was? It’s a trick question. To answer we have to start ‘in the beginning’ (vs.1-2). Long before Christmas trees, Santa Claus, elves, and mocha peppermint lattes, there was the birth of Jesus Christ, in a sleepy little town called Bethlehem. But, that was not the beginning for Jesus was it? No, we’ve got to go further back into ancient history. Way back, before the virgin birth, before the Christmas star, the shepherds, the wise men; before Moses, Abraham, Adam or Eve; even before the creation of the universe itself, there was Jesus, the Son of God eternally existing as the second person of the Trinity (John 8:58).

The first time I heard that, it blew my mind. I hope it blows yours too! I had no category this. I thought, “Christians believe that before Jesus was born was born of Mary, the divine person of Jesus, the Son of God, eternally existed?” It’s true! You see, when you and I were born, we were new people. But when Jesus was born, it was the long-awaited arrival of the eternally existent Word of God (Micah 5:2).

Not only did Jesus always exist, but, “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:3) So what does all this mean for us this Christmas season? Two things: Comfort and awe!

First, allow yourself to be comforted, knowing that although you may not sense God in the midst of whatever difficulty or stress you are facing this season, Jesus, the eternally existent, resurrected, sovereign sustainer of all things, is there with you every step of the way (Col. 1:17). Trust in Jesus, and let the light of Christ shine into the darkest corners of your heart and life.

Second, allow your mind to be blown. Let your heart be moved to worship God. Our great Creator loves us so much. He entered His creation, taking on our humanity, to die on the cross for our sins. There is a glorious mystery about Jesus that is too grand to comprehend, but can beckon you and I to a worshipful sense of awe.

As we anticipate Christmas Day, take some time to remember that though we rightly celebrate Jesus’ coming to the world, he was there “in the beginning.” Stand before the glorious night sky of the Son of God’s eternal existence and worship Him with all that you are.

Reflection Questions:

1.    If you have kids, see if any of them can answer the trick question, ‘How old is Jesus’?  (How would you answer that?)

2.    What struggle are you facing that is hindering your worship of God? How could being more awed by God overshadow the anxiety, stress or brokenness you are facing this week?

3.    What are some practical ways you can humble yourself before God this advent season, in order to experience the comfort of Christ?

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:4-8; Psalms 16:8-11, 110:1; Acts 2:25-28; Job 19:25; Hosea 6:2

Imagine the defining moment of your life. That event that changed you, redirected you, set the course of your life. Write it down. 

What is Jesus’ defining moment, that single act that fulfilled all that God sent him to do? His birth?  Certainly, he was born divine, miraculously. It proved he was God.  But then he lived as a man. Pain, sorrow, hardship.  He experienced it all, everything that we feel. So, what was the moment that changed history?  Was it his healings, preaching, or miracles? No, the single event in his life that changed human destiny was the sacrifice, His crucifixion. Then came the proof, his Resurrection! 

His crucifixion was the battle, his resurrection was the victory.  “He is not here; he has risen!” was the declaration from God, spoken by angels. These words rocked earth’s very foundation.  Mankind was reunited with God. History pivoted in a new direction. Conquering death, Jesus enabled you to conquer death.

Imagine the pit of hopelessness you would be trapped in if not for this event which changed the course of your very life. Forgiveness. Freedom. Eternal life! Despair turns to Celebration. Hallelujah!

Pray:

“This season, Jesus, we pray that everyone celebrating your birth, will also understand your destiny.  Not simply your death, but your sacrifice and resurrection.  The conquering moment they can have as their own.”   

Scripture Reading: John 3:16, Psalm 22

John 3:16 is the essence of the Gospel, and perhaps the best-known verse in the entire Bible.  Unfortunately, John 3:16 has become so commonplace in popular culture that the verse, for many people, has lost its potency; Psalm 22 helps us to again understand the power behind John 3:16. 

Across history, many Christians have interpreted Psalm 22 as a direct prediction and description of Jesus’ suffering on the cross, as Jesus was mocked and scorned during the crucifixion, and even cried out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46, Psalm 22:1).  Imagine Jesus Christ, Holy God in human form, suffering in the way the Psalmist suffers in Psalm 22.  Further still, remember that Jesus’ suffering is punishment for YOUR sin, so that you “will not perish but have eternal life,” if you repent and follow Him.  Try to comprehend how grievous your sin is, that the perfect Son of God had to endure so much to pay for it, but also think of how vast God’s love is for you, that He would willingly sacrifice Himself so your sin would be forgiven and forgotten!

 Reflection Questions:

1.       Do you always see your sin as serious enough for Jesus to suffer for? Or are you tempted to rationalize or minimize your sins?

2.       Do you always believe that God’s love shown in the Gospel is enough to save you?

Song:

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – King’s Kaleidoscope

Scripture Reading: Luke 20:17-18; Psalms 118:22-24

What a tragedy it is that so many rejected this sweet and glorious Christ—the Exalted Cornerstone of the universe! As He walked the way to Golgotha, “the builders” were those who rejoiced in his execution and sought to end his life. They were those who refused to acknowledge his claims to be Messiah, the Bread of Life, and the all-satisfying Savior from sin.

Today’s “builders” reject this cornerstone—God incarnate—by declaring with their words and with their deeds that Christ is not who He claims to be. They reject Him every time they find the things of this world more marvelous than Christ. They reject Him by not rejoicing in the day of the Lord, and by not finding His triumph over sin and death to be the greatest, most glorious occasion in all of history. And they reject him when they refuse to acknowledge that salvation is “The Lord’s doing” and not the work of man’s efforts to be righteous before God.

Indeed, everyone who rejects this cornerstone—the Preeminent One, Christ Jesus Himself—will endure the furious wrath of Almighty God. On their day of reckoning, they will be crushed and broken to pieces by Lion of the Tribe of Judah, because they did not accept his sacrifice as the Lamb that was slain. That may not be a warm and fuzzy thought for the Christmas season, but it is biblical truth undergirding the incarnation of Christ. Trust in Jesus and let us rejoice and be glad in the day of His birth.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do I find to be more “marvelous” than Christ, and causes my eyes to drift from him?

2. What “builder” do I know that refuses to acknowledge the worth of Christ?

“All Glory be to Christ”—Sovereign Grace Music

Pray:

Let this Savior be my Savior, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which His kingdom brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

God is not surprised by the presence of stress in our lives. Over two thousand years ago Jesus spoke to the people following him about the very thing that plagues so many of us still today, stress. We all have felt the uneasy feeling stress brings, the unhealthy habits or behaviors that stress can manifest. Stress  can consume thoughts, alter moods, dictate behaviors and rule you like a slave-master if you let it. But Jesus knew this would be a battle we would face. Our flesh desperately tries to pursue what the world promises, while the Spirit of God in us fights back, reminding us of our new nature in Christ. Ultimately this is a war of where we place our trust. 

At the time of Jesus, the religious leaders oppressed people with religious legalism. The written Torah was not the burden.  It was the additional traditions of the Pharisees that caused the people to be weary and burdened.  They called for utter outwardly perfection by following unattainable standards that were not from God.

Q. What are three things in life that cause you to feel stressed and weary? 

“Come to me”. Jesus invites us, you and me personally, to come to Him. He invites us to trust in His ways and not the world’s.  He invites us to trust in His redeeming work by acknowledging we are insufficient before our Holy God.  He invites us to trust in His plan, promises, provision, redemption, grace, mercy and unfailing love.  Jesus promises to provide rest for our souls.

Q.  How would trusting in Jesus’ ways change your perception of the three things that are causing you to feel stressed and weary? 

The yoke is a wooden frame that joins two animals together so they can pull a heavy load.  Jesus uses this as a metaphor to explain our subjection to another.  The Pharisees subjected the Jewish people to loads of expectations they could never carry.  Our flesh subjects us to strive more. It promises that if I had ___________ than_____________.  Our soul whispers that we should trust in ourselves alone, to ignore the guilt of our inability of perfection before our Holy God, and just try harder.

Jesus promises that the work was and is His alone to complete.  He was born to take the nails, so you and I wouldn’t have to.  He was born to bring eternal rest for our weary and burdened souls. Therefore, weary soul, find rest in Christ rather than trying to manhandle all your anxiety on your own this Christmas season. We can find rest both now and in eternity by simply surrendering to God, and trusting Jesus to be our Lord of it all. When we are weak, He is strong.

Reflection Questions:

1.     What are some ways your flesh beckons you to strive for what this world has to offer?

2.     What are some ways your spirit whispers to trust in God alone?

Read: Psalm 34:8, 1 John 5:1-5, Psalm 46:1, 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:10-11; Isaiah 42:1-6

Picture yourself minding your own business at work, wherever that may be (sitting at your desk, teaching a class, serving tables, taking care of children). Without warning, a sudden and astonishing interruption appears with an extraordinary message. You are frightened, but what you hear is long-awaited news that immediately stirs your heart. So much so, that you stop what you are doing, hop in your car, and travel far to see if this miraculous news is really true. And while driving you think to yourself, “Why was I the first to hear of this news? How was I chosen to be among the few to receive this message before many others?”.

Almost 2,000 years ago, this scenario actually happened, to three simple shepherds minding their own business of watching their flocks of sheep. “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” (Luke 2:8-9). In the night, the greatest news of all came to them unexpectedly through an angel sent from the Lord, “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” The appearance of the angel was nothing short of remarkable, as the heavens opened up unlike any other time in history. Can you imagine the awe that the shepherds must have felt? The shepherds were no doubt frightened by the appearance of the angel, but they believed and wasted no time in seeing this Savior for themselves.

Read Isaiah 42:1-6

At the point of the angel’s proclamation, the Savior was already born. This is a pivotal point in redemptive history! It’s a proclamation that the One, God’s Servant, has finally come to rescue people from sin. This gentle, just, unfailing, and righteous Servant, is competent to heal and restore the brokenness of this world. Do you believe you are among those who Jesus came to redeem? Perhaps you feel discouraged, unworthy, undeserving, or too far from God’s reach. We can be sure that this line of thinking is nothing but a deceitful lie. Look again at to whom the angel of the Lord first appears. The angel does not approach rich rulers, high priests, or great educated minds in ancient Rome. Today, maybe that would be wealthy businessmen, spiritually-fit pastors, or high-society politicians. No, the message was first proclaimed to shepherds, considered to hold a menial vocation with lowly social status. Truly the least of these.

God wanted to make His grand announcement of His Son’s earthly existence to ordinary humanity. His love extends to all people across all nations, and He deems the least of these as important. "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" (James 2:5). The good news of a Savior being born into the world to fulfill prophesy, redeem us, break down the sinful barrier between us and God, and ultimately bring glory to God, is joyful news that affects every person. This good news announced by angels also moves ordinary Christians today to proclaim the gospel to those around us at work, at home, or in class etc.

The birth announcement of the Messiah comes at just the right time when the world desperately needs Him. The weight of the world’s burdens and responsibilities lay heavy on humanity. Perhaps today, you are feeling weighed down by your own circumstances and life’s demands. Jesus’ birth brought hope and a future for all of mankind. And God had Jesus’ back from the very beginning, starting with His birth. He would remain constant and steadfast in His love and care for His Servant. In the same way, God desires to be in relationship with you, to love, care for, and guide you. If you are in Christ, God also has your back. You can take comfort in knowing that in a world where tragic news seems to saturate our lives, the greatest news of all prevails. In the midst of the seemingly unending darkness, a baby boy was born and proclaimed as the light of the world. A light that brings a hope and a joy unmatched by any other.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Do you believe the message announced by the angel is also meant for you? Can you relate to the shepherds in this story?

2.     Like the angel of the Lord’s proclamation, how can you be like the angel in proclaiming the life-changing news of Jesus’ birth and truth with someone else?

3.     Think upon the hope that Christ’s birth brings to the world. How does this hope change how you view your experiences, circumstances, and purpose as a follower of Christ? And just as Christ came into the world as the supreme Servant, how can you find ways to serve Him?  

Prayer: Father, thank you for the miraculous birth of your Son, the Messiah. I praise you for loving me enough to send a Savior to rescue me from my sin. May I be like the angel of the Lord, and proclaim your plan of hope to others. Give me a boldness and a confidence in serving the greatest Servant of all.

Scripture Reading: Luke 1: 57-66; Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6

There are few things more exciting than a pregnancy announcement. New life is always such a miracle; especially when the couple announcing have been trying for years. Can you imagine the celebration and shock at hearing that Elizabeth and Zachariah were expecting? Both Elizabeth and Zachariah were “well along in years” which is Bible talk for really old to be having children. But who else would God decide to carry the messenger of the coming Messiah than two geriatrics? Then again, God chose a virgin girl to carry the Savior of the world. The Messiah the people had been hoping for would not come in the way they had expected, and neither would His messenger.

John’s arrival was the fulfillment of a prophecy. He was the Messenger who was to “clear the way for the Lord”. The Hebrew meaning of the name John is “Jehovah has been gracious: has shown favor”. And what incredible favor John came to proclaim, that the Creator of the Universe was coming to seek and save the lost and that the hope of our salvation would soon be realized in flesh and blood. John would later say, “I baptize with water for repentance but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11.

Yes, people were in shock and awed at John’s arrival: a miracle pregnancy, Zachariah becoming mute and then able to speak again. Yes, John’s arrival was something quite spectacular, but how much greater would be the one John was sent to proclaim. This Christmas season, recognize that like John, you too are sent by God to point people to the Messiah.

Reflection Questions:

 “…like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – C.S. Lewis. 

1.     We often settle for less – like the messenger instead of the Messiah. What have you chosen instead of Christ’s best for you?

2.     Ponder Jesus’ power and holiness - that like John, we are not worthy of removing his sandals. Humble yourself before the Messiah. Who is someone God might be sending you as His 'messenger' to this Christmas season? What are some ways you can point them to Jesus?

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20

The parallels of wonder and amazement

I wonder what that night would have been like to stand with the shepherds under the stars keeping watch over sheep. In one moment, unexpectedly, their lives and our world were forever changed. An angel appeared to them and proclaimed the good news about a savior who would come, and a multitude of angels began to worship Jesus.

It is amazing how quickly things can change. After hundreds of years of waiting, a group of shepherds found out that the moment was here. Jesus was born. Hope had entered the world, and the angel proclaimed “good news of great joy that will be for all people.”

I also wonder what it would have been like to stand over Jesus swaddled in a manger. After hearing the message from the angel, the shepherds went to see this Savior for themselves. Can you imagine the joy they felt as they looked at the face of Christ?

It is amazing that we can feel that joy today! The same good news that was proclaimed two thousand years ago in Bethlehem is our same good news today. The angels worshipped Christ singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven” and they are still singing today. The world needed a savior to rescue them from their sin and the world still needs that savior today.

I wonder what it was like when the shepherds returned home, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard.” Did people think they were crazy? Did some begin to listen and learn? Did some join their praises?

It is amazing to think a baby who laid in a manger in Bethlehem would change the world.

I wonder what it was like for the shepherds to know that God was pointing them to this good news; that he loved them and wanted them to know Jesus.

It is amazing that He feels the same way about you and I today.

Reflection Questions:

1.     What do you think it would have been like to hear the angels sing with the shepherds?

2.     Why was the birth of Jesus such great news?

Advent Activity: Telephone your Proclamation!

Play a game of Telephone as a family. Sit around a table, or in a circle. Start with one person whispering a message and see if the message makes it around the circle with no words changed. Picture yourselves as the group of shepherds. What would your message of proclamation and worship be after seeing Jesus born?