Advent Devotional, November 30

II Peter 3:1-10

“…with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

                The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient

with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”

                                                                                                (II Peter 3:8b-9)

Ask an eight year-old on the first day of Advent how long it is to Christmas and he or she will tell you, “forever!” The speed of time’s passing is a matter of perspective, particularly during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Peter reminds first century believers that God’s unique sense of timing has as its ultimate purpose, salvation.  Paul speaks of this as he writes in Romans 5:6, “…at the right time, Christ died for us.” As we begin this Advent journey, let us remember that no matter how slowly or quickly these days go by, God is at work in the midst of them, drawing us to repentance and salvation through the timely gift of Christmas.

Prayer: Eternal God, in the minutes, hours, and days of Advent, help me listen for your voice, every moment. Amen.

Jim Abernathy