For our Advent reflection today, let’s worship how Jesus came down unexpectedly as a child. We worship a Lord who will crouch to our level. Let’s worship this King who comes to us as a babe in a manger.
Spend some time worshipping and thanking God through this scripture.
Isaiah 64:3
3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
Our Longings
- What are you bringing to this prayerful time with God today (worries, hopes, fears, etc.)?
- What are you most longing for during this season of Advent?
Allow yourself whatever time is necessary here in prayer to get in touch with these longings.
Scripture
Mark 13:24-27 Common English Bible (CEB)
24 In those days, after the suffering of that time, the sun will become dark, and the moon won’t give its light. 25 The stars will fall from the sky, and the planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Human One[a]?coming in the clouds with great power and splendor. 27 Then he will send the angels and gather together his chosen people from the four corners of the earth, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.
Our Meditation
As yesterday’s post reminded us, in Advent we don’t find ourselves excitedly waiting to unwrap a new Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle as much as we find ourselves painfully being unwrapped as we cry out from the pressing darkness for a Savior to arrive.
We light candles during Advent to pierce the darkness around us. They remind us a great Light is coming to the world.
- Reflect on the scripture passage above. When you look around the world, where do you see darkness? Do you see hunger in some places? Violence? Oppression and persecution? Pray that God would bring His light into these places.
- Now turn your attention to yourself. Where do you see similar places of hunger, violence, oppression, persecution, etc.? How will that change if God were to come with His light in those areas of your life? What would it require of you?
Intercession
How might you be a light to someone else today? What will you do?
A Closing Prayer
Lord God,
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the darkness I see all around me, in the world, and in me. Today, Lord, will you come?
Amen.
This Evening and Tomorrow Morning
- This evening, continue again to worship through Psalm 80:3 as a personal prayer. Return to this often over this Advent season.
- Tomorrow morning, consider reading through Mark 13:24-37 and place yourself as a participant in this scene hearing Jesus? words for the first time. What might He be saying to you personally?
Scriptures from Our Advent Series
Texts for First Advent Week: Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
