Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. God prepared for centuries to come to earth to reveal the heights and depths and breadth of God’s grace for all the world. We have the privilege of living on this side of Christmas. That means hope, joy, and peace! Here are several passages pointing to God’s gifts in Christmas.
PRAYER
O God of gracious gifts, open the packages of hope, joy, and peace in my heart this Christmas. Amen.
Monday – Luke 2:8-14
Do you like to sing? Somehow in the human spirit, regardless of musical talent, when we encounter the mystery and wonder of God’s work; we want to sing. The angels sang at the first Christmas. That’s why we have sung at every Christmas since then. Where have you encountered the mystery and wonder of God’s work? How does your favorite Christmas carol reflect your Christmas encounters?
Tuesday – Ephesians 5:15-21
Paul is writing to people living in difficult times. It would be easy to get drunk and sing. Some people do, but Paul is encouraging them to be filled with the Spirit instead. How would these songs be different? What kinds of songs are you singing today?
Wednesday – Exodus 15:1-18
Talk about tough times…. The people of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them. And God delivered them to safety. No surprise they sang a song to remember the event. Have you ever felt trapped between the “devil and the deep blue sea?” What songs would you sing about how God has protected, provided for, and delivered you?
Thursday – 2 Chronicles 5:2-14
Solomon built the first Temple in Jerusalem, and it was the day to dedicate it. What did they do? (I mean besides the potluck!) They sang God’s praises. What did God do? God filled the Temple. Could it be that our praises open the door for God to fill us with God’s power and presence? If we sang God’s praises every time we felt overwhelmed, how would it change us? How will you sing today?
Friday – Colossians 3:12-17
Paul teaches the people to express grace and love towards one another. Furthermore, the church is to let the message of the Messiah dwell in our hearts. Then we will sing praises to God with gratitude in our hearts. Not sure what to sing? Let the message of the Messiah saturate your heart!
Saturday – Revelation 14:1-5
A lot of Revelation is symbolic, but an interesting piece here. Only the redeemed knew the words of this song. Why? Because only the redeemed understood what it meant to be saved. They were redeemed because they followed the Lamb (Jesus). Ever notice how people who find Jesus begin to sing? How is your singing?