Advent Devotional: Dec 5
Psalm 21 | Isaiah 24:1-16a | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Many of our devotions last week focused on seeing the light of Christ in the darkness. This week our focus shifts to responding to the light God gives us.
If I am in a dark room and someone turns on a light, I instinctively turn to look at the source of the light. If I am feeling sadness, loneliness, pain, or grief and someone speaks words of encouragement or love to me, I instinctively turn my attention to those words. That is because human beings are created to turn toward light and love and grace.
Our preparation for welcoming Christ involves repentance. This is not focusing on our failures and shortcomings. Repenting does not mean that we beat ourselves up for the things we have done wrong. Repentance is an instinctive turning to the love and grace of God and moving ourselves closer to that love and grace. It is an act of hope. It is what we are created to do.
In today’s New Testament reading, Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to keep moving forward in love. He reminds them of who God is and who they are meant to be. Paul sees the love they already have for God and each other and urges them to keep growing in that love. That is how they are supposed to live. That is how we are supposed to live.
You are meant to be a part of God’s people. As a child of God, you are called out of the darkness and into the marvelous light of Christ. The grace and love of God the Father is yours through Jesus, God the Son. The Holy Spirit is present to guide you and lead you. This week, my prayer is that you will recognize the light of Jesus and be empowered by his grace to move toward that light.
Reflection questions: Where is God’s love and light shining in my life already? What is one thing I can do today to move closer to the light God has given me?
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
