Monthly Archives: December 2021

We live in the already, not yet time and sometimes it’s confusing. It is the ‘already time’ because Jesus 1st Advent – his incarnation already blessed us. It is the ‘not yet time’ because we are still waiting for his return, the second advent of Christ.

In the ‘already’ Jesus was conceived by God in the virgin girl, Mary. He is 100% God and 100% human so as to accomplish his many great works. He fulfilled over 600 OT prophesies, was tempted as we are, yet did not sin, died for us, rose and now sits at the right hand of the throne of grace. He brought peace. It is ‘not yet’ because we are waiting for his promised return.

In Colossians we are reminded of the greatness of Jesus peacemaking on our behalf.

1:15-16 Jesus is the eternal Creator. We can trust him because he is greater than all our circumstances.

1:17-18 Jesus gives us life and he is our head, we can trust him and give him our lives.

1:19-20 Jesus is the peacemaker. He made peace with God possible to we who are naturally rebellious (Genesis 3:15).

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

May we daily remind ourselves of the greatness of Jesus as we abide, marinate, soak up the reminders found in the word of God.

Today begins the second week of Advent reminders. One tradition holds that the theme of this week is peace. What better prophetic text for peace that this familiar and great promise of God?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

The eternal Son of God would come to bring peace between God and his people. The Apostle Paul gives a clear explanation of this in Romans 5:1-11.

https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.5.1-11.ESV

Thanks be to God for his work on our behalf to bring us peace! May we lift up the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace!

This week we’ve noted that remembering the faithfulness of God is a key to hope. Advent is a beginning, not just just of the new Christian year, but for us to renew our hope in our faithful God. To soak in the word of God is not just a meaningful habit, it is a way to be reminded of the greatness of our awesome God who keeps promises.

Hope is built by discipline.

Since the Christian year begins with Advent, it is yet another opportunity to set a fresh (or renew an old) practice of remembering the faithfulness of God. Psalm 111 has a particularly helpful verse.

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭111:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Another version replaces “studied” with “pondered”. Yes, during Advent let us study, ponder the greatness of the Lord. This gives us hope for the future in this already, not yet time.

So remember! Hold on pilgrim! Hold on to Jesus!

God promised…

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jesus came. God delivered. Freedom is. Condemnation is GONE for we who are IN Christ!

Advent is about God’s promises, those he fulfilled in Jesus and those to come!

Remember the promises, HE is faithful!

Another look at a verse and a word.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

“That.”

We all need mercy. Daily mercy. Ultimate mercy.

“…that we may receive…” connects the provision, mercy and grace, with the way to find it – “draw near”. It is when we draw near to the throne that we receive. This is what Jesus meant by abiding in him, to freely draw near. Just the way I am. Not dressed up, hiding behind some nice looking facade. The real broken me. I can draw near.

Because Jesus took on the human to make it possible for me to boldly run to the throne! Accepted! Because of his work for me, you, us. Bringing mercy and grace. Help.

Advent is for thanks for help.

Draw near.

Marinate.

Abide.