Advent Devotional - December 7

December 7

James 3:17-18

“People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living.”

James 3:18

I enjoy the fruits of other people’s labors, and I am not alone. In fact, we all are debtors to so many who produce the things necessary for living. Among these needful things are the foods we eat, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. I am not a farmer, not even a good gardener…I am, however, an excellent eater! (Chances are, many of you fit this profile as well.)

James implies in our text for today that there is a way to work for peace that leads to a good crop of right-living, just as there is a way to plant seeds that bring forth a bountiful harvest from the earth. Jesus had something to say about this in the parable of the sower, found in Mark 4. The farmer scatters seed over four different types of ground, finding only one place where the seed truly takes root, however, producing a bountiful crop. He describes the flaws of the other three soils, then equates the fruitful soil to those who hear his word, accept it, and as a result, produce fruit.

Christmas is the story of God sowing seed in the soil of God’s creation, and as a result, bearing the fruit of salvation through that blessed seed, Jesus Christ. If you and I are to be peacemakers, we must plant a good crop of right living…working for peace in a peaceful, Christ-like manner.

As the New Century Version quotes Jesus, "Let those with ears use them and listen!"

Prayer: Eternal God, may we work for peace by planting a crop of right-living. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 6

December 6

Luke 1:76-80

“…to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Luke 1:79b

Much has been made of Mary’s Song in the aftermath of the angel Gabriel’s startling news that she will give birth to the Son of God. There is, however, another wonderful song in this first chapter of Luke, offered by Zechariah after his son, John, is born. Having been silenced by his disbelief after hearing that God would give him and his aging wife Elizabeth a son, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed when Elizabeth names the child John. With months of frustrating silence now behind him, praise pours forth as he proclaims in the opening words of his song, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

Zechariah’s path had not always yielded the results he and his wife Elizabeth had desired, particularly in the context of family. In verse six of this first chapter we are told that he and Elizabeth “were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Yet, as verse seven continues, “they were childless...both well advanced in years.” To the community around them, the paradox of these verses would not be understood. Faithfulness was rewarded with blessing and children were indeed considered a blessing from God. For Elizabeth and Zechariah, as for Abraham and Sarah, this blessing was deferred. There were perhaps many days and nights of tearful wondering as to why God had not given them children. Though the promise and fulfillment of this child came later in their relationship, their faithfulness did not waiver.

Perhaps they knew something of this path of peace Zechariah was now singing about. In speaking of the One who would follow after their own son’s preparation, John continued to walk a pathway of peace that had led him and Elizabeth thus far.

I am encouraged by the faithfulness of those who will trust God to guide their feet into the path of peace. How about you?

Prayer: You, who are the guiding presence for our continuing walk, lead us and we will follow in the path of peace. In the name of the Christ, we pray, Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 5

December 5

Isaiah 26:3-4

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

Peace is something that we often seem to believe is thrust upon us, not necessarily a treasure of our own initiation…perhaps something, in the context of well-being, which miraculously comes over us. The Psalmist, however, gives a glimpse of cause and effect at work here as he adds this brief phrase which follows the promise of peace… because they trust in you. Certainly the peace of Christ transforms our lives and enables us to overcome doubt and fear, but at some point, the believer must trust that God will honor God’s promises and be present in the midst of whatever is going on in his or her life.

The incarnation of Christ reminds us that God can be trusted. From God’s covenant with Abraham, to the affirmation of that covenant in establishing David’s throne, to the prophetic words of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah and others, to the fulfillment of that covenant in the birth of Jesus, God has been proven trustworthy again and again. Peace that you and I experience in our hearts comes because we believe that God can be trusted, even when, as we noted with Abraham last week, against all hope, we still believe.

Peace in any context ultimately is a bi-product of trust. The Psalmist echoes this thought in Psalm 9:10 as he writes, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Perhaps the old adage of this season does still ring true, “Wise men and women still seek Him.”

Prayer: Faithful God, may we seek and trust you during these days, and amidst the rush and hurry, truly know your peace. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 4

December 4

Psalm 37:37-40

“…the future belongs to persons of peace.”

Psalm 37:37a

In the aftermath of 9/11, I preached from this text. The unconscionable violence and devaluation of human life made evident in the terrorist’s actions of that day raised questions about the future, causing many to declare that nothing would ever be the same because of what happened that day. I suppose there was truth in those words for no one who watched on television, listened on the radio, or witnessed the events personally as they happened, could turn away as if nothing happened.

Terrorism, in any form, succeeds through fear and intimidation. If a person, group, or nation is paralyzed by fear, the bright light of hope becomes dimmed, even hidden behind the seeming strength and power of the oppressor. Verses one and three of this thirty-seventh Psalm say, “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong…Trust in the LORD and do good.” Our hope as people of faith for deliverance is ultimately not in the government, military, or any human agency or institution. “Hope in the LORD,” the Psalmist writes in verse 34, “and keep his way.” The temptation will always be to stoop to the level of the oppressor, but the future does not lie in the hands of those who do evil… the future belongs to persons of peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “for they will be called children of God.” That is the future I want to believe in.

Prayer: Help me be a peacemaker, O God, in a world where fear and intimidation are often wielded as weapons of strength. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 3

December 3

Titus 2:11-14

“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Titus 2:13

Waiting is often seen as a state of transition. To wait is to be suspended between what has been and what will be. Paul reminds Titus, however, that waiting for the return of Christ is not to be a season of inactivity, rather, the grace of God teaches through the example of Christ that followers of the Savior are to live “self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait…” In other words, we are to be busy living as followers of Christ until he returns.

Every generation since Jesus’ ascension has believed that his return was immanent. In our own time there have been several who charted a specific date for that return, mobilizing their followers to be ready at that time for Christ’s return. Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping has offered multiple dates, most recently citing May 21^st, then October 21^st of this year as sure and certain dates for Christ’s return. Both dates have now come and gone, attracting a lot of attention to his flawed predictions. Some sold their homes, quit their jobs, and toured the country proclaiming Camping’s predictions. The return of Christ is not meant, however, to be a diversion from the living of every day. If anything, it is a reminder to us of the significance of living every moment for Christ, whether he returns today, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now.

Advent is a season of waiting. As a follower of Jesus Christ, that waiting is colored with anticipation. And so, in this season of Advent, while we wait for the blessed hope, let us live godly lives, as a gift for the One who has given all for us.

Prayer: We wait with great anticipation, O Christ. While we wait, may our lives be a reflection of your love. Amen.

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 2

December 2

Luke 1:26-38

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.

Luke 1:38a

Courage is an aspect of hope we don’t often dwell on. We think of the possibilities of hope, the desired outcome of hope, even the distractions of hope that are often a diversion in the midst of difficult moments. Courage, however, is vital to hope, for it sustains the dream when all else fails and empowers meaningful action when settling for so much less would be much easier.

A young maiden named Mary is visited by an angel of the Lord, calling her to a task so amazing, she questions how it can be. The angel assures her that God is indeed capable of bringing to pass what has been promised. “Do not be afraid, Mary,” he tells her, and it seems that she is not.

In the wonder of this story we may lose sight of the fact that Mary has been called to a task that will be very difficult. As she reminds the angel, “How can this be…I am a virgin.” Not only were there physiological principles challenged here, but in the context of her social and familial circles, what would everybody think?!? To a young teen-aged girl, this must have seemed overwhelming…perhaps even too much to ask. And yet, after her initial question, Mary’s response to the angel and the call of the Lord is one of obedience. She trusts that God will do what God has promised…she steps forward in courage, and as Eugene Peterson translates in The Message, she responds, “I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve.”

It takes courage to say yes to God. Certainly that choice is empowered by the presence and promise of God, yet, much is at stake…much is required. As a friend of mine said many years ago when faced with one of life’s greatest challenges, “Hope is a choice.” My dear friends, with courage, let us choose hope today!

Prayer: Gracious God, your call comes to us every day to walk in the way of Christ. May we courageously choose hope, and with Mary say, “I am the Lord’s…ready to serve.”

Jim Abernathy

Advent Devotional - December 1

December 1

Romans 15:11-13

“…that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13b

Paul references the prophet Isaiah in this text from his letter to the Roman church. “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” The hope of a Jewish prophet, written hundreds of years before, was now becoming the hope of Gentile Christians. The good news of the gospel was never meant for a limited number of people, but for all. More than twenty centuries later, this good news still changes the lives of anyone who will receive it.

On this fifth day of Advent, hope overflows, even in a dark and at times frightening world. The Holy Spirit of God is still moving among us to lead, convict, and empower. My prayer for you as you continue your Advent journey, is that you may overflow with hope for God’s love has been given for all…including you. That is good news!

Prayer: Eternal God, may the power of your Holy Spirit work within our lives that hope may indeed overflow. Amen.

Jim Abernathy