Advent 2024 - Week 2 - Day 8
Day 8: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Supporting Scriptures: Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-4
Welcome to Week 2 of Advent.
During this week, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We shift our timeframe from the future coming of Christ and remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Many years ago I asked a contractor for a quote put in a large out building. The price was reasonable so I scheduled the appointment. When the builder arrived he was surprised that the space had not been cleared, the ground leveled, and a temporary power post installed. He expected me to have all the prep work done - he was willing to smooth things out for the new building but not cut trees and such. I foolishly thought it was part of the quote. In the end, I was not prepared and he left as he had other customers more ready to be served than I.
In Luke 3:1-6 it is clear that John’s mission is to prepare the way for the Lord by calling people to repentance. John is retelling the warning from Isaiah 40:3-5 , where the prophet Isaiah describes preparation as making straight paths, filling valleys, and leveling mountains. These images point to the transformative work of repentance, where we allow God to smooth out the rough, sinful areas of our hearts and align our lives with His will. Repentance is not simply about feeling sorry for our sins—it’s an active turning away from sin and a turning toward God in humility and trust. We have to have some sking in the game so to speak - God will do the transformative stuff.
The prophet Malachi (3:1-4) reminds us that God’s coming is like a refining fire, purifying His people so they may bring offerings that are pleasing to Him. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, where we invite God to refine us, removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
What obstacles in your heart need to be removed to make room for Christ? Are there valleys of despair that need to be filled with His hope? Are there mountains of pride or sin that need to be brought low? As we prepare for Christmas, let us respond to John’s call by allowing God to transform us from the inside out.
Let's Pray
Lord, prepare our hearts for Your coming. Help us to remove the obstacles in our lives that keep us from fully embracing You. Refine us with Your Spirit, purify our hearts, and make us ready to receive Your presence. May our lives reflect Your glory as we await Your coming. Amen.
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Supporting Scriptures: Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-4
Welcome to Week 2 of Advent.
During this week, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We shift our timeframe from the future coming of Christ and remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Many years ago I asked a contractor for a quote put in a large out building. The price was reasonable so I scheduled the appointment. When the builder arrived he was surprised that the space had not been cleared, the ground leveled, and a temporary power post installed. He expected me to have all the prep work done - he was willing to smooth things out for the new building but not cut trees and such. I foolishly thought it was part of the quote. In the end, I was not prepared and he left as he had other customers more ready to be served than I.
In Luke 3:1-6 it is clear that John’s mission is to prepare the way for the Lord by calling people to repentance. John is retelling the warning from Isaiah 40:3-5 , where the prophet Isaiah describes preparation as making straight paths, filling valleys, and leveling mountains. These images point to the transformative work of repentance, where we allow God to smooth out the rough, sinful areas of our hearts and align our lives with His will. Repentance is not simply about feeling sorry for our sins—it’s an active turning away from sin and a turning toward God in humility and trust. We have to have some sking in the game so to speak - God will do the transformative stuff.
The prophet Malachi (3:1-4) reminds us that God’s coming is like a refining fire, purifying His people so they may bring offerings that are pleasing to Him. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, where we invite God to refine us, removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
What obstacles in your heart need to be removed to make room for Christ? Are there valleys of despair that need to be filled with His hope? Are there mountains of pride or sin that need to be brought low? As we prepare for Christmas, let us respond to John’s call by allowing God to transform us from the inside out.
Let's Pray
Lord, prepare our hearts for Your coming. Help us to remove the obstacles in our lives that keep us from fully embracing You. Refine us with Your Spirit, purify our hearts, and make us ready to receive Your presence. May our lives reflect Your glory as we await Your coming. Amen.
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