Advent Devotional, December 7

I John 4:7-11

 

"God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 

 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins."

                                                                                                                                                             (I John 4:9-10)

 

In his classic work, "Mere Christianity," twentieth century British author C.S. Lewis wrote, "On the whole, God's love for us is a much safer subject to think about than our love for him."  John offers evidence of Lewis' declaration in today's text, that God's love, not ours, brought about salvation. It is the simple reminder that we can't achieve salvation on our own, it is a gift of love from God. 

 

Paul put it this way in Romans 5:8, "God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us."  That while we were still sinners part is the tipping point in the gospel story.  We didn't deserve such love; we could never earn it, but God's great love paid the price for our sin anyway.

 

On the whole, I'd say Lewis' assessment is right on target.

 

Prayer: Creator God, for the gift of Christmas, the gift of your love, we give you thanks. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy 

Advent Devotional, December 6

Isaiah 40:1-11

 

"He takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart.  He gently leads those that have little ones."

                                                                                                     (Isaiah 40:11)

 

We often speak of the heart in the context of relationship...a place where human emotion is centered.  The New International Readers Version translation paints a picture of God as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.  It's an amazing image of creator and creation.  The focus here is on the intentional action of God, not only to interact with creation, but to do so in a way that communicates genuine care and compassion.

 

Jesus identifies himself in the tenth chapter of John's gospel as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.  This is the good news of the Word becoming flesh.  Jesus embodies the love and compassion of the Shepherd Isaiah spoke of in today's text.  God has come among us to draw us to himself...to carry us close to his heart.  

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, gather me in your loving arms. Keep me close to your heart. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 5

Luke 1:39-45

 

"You are blessed because you believed that what

 the Lord said to you would really happen.”

                                             (Luke 1:45)

 

Trust is a wonderful characteristic of relationship.  To believe with confidence in another person is to find a place of comfort in the midst of challenge.  

 

The angel of the Lord had just shared with Mary the unbelievable news that she would bear the Son of God.  Wondering if God had the right person for so awesome a task, Mary voiced her questions and concerns to the messenger of God, but the angel responded with words of wisdom that would serve Mary well in the days to come as he said, "Nothing is impossible for God."

 

When Mary sought encouragement from her cousin Elizabeth in the aftermath of this encounter with the angel of the Lord, Elizabeth affirmed Mary's faith as she said, "You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen.”   

 

This encounter is a very good Advent reminder for us all. Trust brings blessing, not in the materialistic grab that is too often seen at this time of year, but in the assurance of God's presence that enables one to take a step...the next step of faith.  

 

Prayer: Lord, help me trust that your word is true...that nothing is impossible for God. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 4

Psalm 86:11-13

 

"Teach me your way, O LORD that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name."

(Psalm 86:11)

 

I remember Miss Lovinggood saying to our eighth grade class, "Now childring," (only person I ever knew who had an alternate pronunciation for children) "let me have your undivided attention."  This was a call to compliance, a call to focus...a call to leave your neighbor alone and sit still. All eyes were to be on her and all ears were to be listening for her next word.  This was not a moment for distraction, but instead, an expectation of unity.

 

The Psalmist understands the need for oneness, unity in his own heart and mind as he comes before the Lord in praise.  There are lessons to learn, truth to be embraced, and this cannot happen in a divided heart.  

 

Advent is a call to unity of heart and mind, to singular focus. The Savior of the world is coming, the pathway is being prepared.  There can be no division of heart and mind on this journey, but simple faith and rapt attention...all eyes, all ears, all hearts listening for the next Word.

 

Prayer: May I have an undivided heart, O Lord...watching, waiting, listening for the next Word from you. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Advent Devotional, December 3

Psalm 80:1-3

 

"Restore us, O God; let

 your face shine, that we may be saved."

                                         (Psalm 80:3)

 

What does one say when the unthinkable becomes the norm?  How does one respond when the value of human life is discharged like the clip of an automatic weapon?   Mass shootings have become commonplace in our nation and we seem powerless to stop them.  The most recent event in San Bernardino, California, the second on December 2 and 355th of 2015, according to the Washington Post, is but another reminder of the senseless violence that no longer shocks or stirs us.  Outrage seems to have been replaced by resignation as more and more Americans buy guns to "protect themselves."  USA Today notes that a record 185,000 gun background checks were done this past Black Friday.  It would seem that our answer to escalating gun violence is to buy more guns.  Heaven help us!

 

The Psalmist seems to understand that his only hope, and that of his people, is to be found in the salvation of God.  "Let your face shine, that we may be saved."  Perhaps as we ponder the Savior coming among us during this Advent season, we would do well to embrace the Psalmist's words and those of John from Revelation 22:20, as he says of the Christ, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

 

Prayer: Even so, come Lord Jesus! Let your face shine, that we may be saved. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advent Devotional, December 2

Psalm 79:8-9

"...let your compassion come speedily to meet us."

                                                         (Psalm 79:8b)

Every parent who has ever taken a child on a road trip of most any length has endured the inquiries that are often repeated again and again throughout the trip, "Are we there yet?"  Along with its companion, "How much further?" these questions make both parties long for arrival, and with it, deliverance!  

The Psalmist, burdened by his and the sins of others, cries out for deliverance, for arrival at that place where God will bring mercy and forgiveness.  "Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake," he pleads in verse nine.  Christmas is that sacred moment of arrival when God becomes one of us...when God's compassion comes speedily to meet us.

Glory to God!

Prayer: Gracious God, may your mercy and compassion come quickly to meet us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional, December 1

Psalm 5:1-3

"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch." 
(Psalm 5:3)

The Psalmist seems certain of one thing that serves him well...God listens to his voice.  This particular Psalm is attributed to David. He recognizes the threats all around him, but he also trusts in the One whose steadfast love, he believes, will sustain him. He calls out to God, and then he watches to see the wonder of God.

The story of Christmas tells us that God has heard the cries of Creation and acted in the incarnation as The Word became flesh and dwelled among human beings.  We watch the story unfold through the Old Testament prophets and witness its fulfillment in the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.  The promise is fulfilled, but is there reason for us to still watch?
  

Advent challenges us to do just that...to watch and trust once more in the steadfast love of God.

Prayer: O Lord, in the morning, I plead my case to you...and I watch. Amen.

Jim Abernathy