Advent Devotional: Dec 13

Psalm 42 | Ezekiel 47:1-12 | Jude 1:17-25

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 20-21)

Scripture is the story of God working in human history to save his people and restore all of creation. The Bible reveals who God is and who we are. There are many people who have never read scripture. They have never been part of a church. How do they know who God is if they have not read the Bible or heard the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? They hear about God and see God’s goodness in and through our lives. 

When Saint Jude wrote his brief letter to the early church, he warned them about “false teachers” who were spreading wrong beliefs about Christ. This must have been upsetting to the disciples of Jesus. Becoming a part of the church at that time was dangerous. Christians and their families were at risk of persecution, imprisonment, and even death. Hearing others teach things about God and his people that were false must have been so very discouraging and frustrating. How were Christians supposed to respond? By praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping themselves in God’s love. This allowed them to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and lead people to the truth of who God is. 

Advent is a season of light shining in the darkness. My prayer for you today is that you will “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” as you prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord! (Matthew 5:14-16)

Reflection Questions: What do you  do to build yourself up in faith while we wait for Christ to return? Which fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) have you seen growing in your life this season?

Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica, Inc.
Reflections by Rev. Serena J. Wolfe