Note: Okay, so this is the first day I am sharing, because in our church and tradition, we start advent celebrations & devotions on the 1st Sunday in Advent. But the first three days are here, just look on the main page and scroll down. Thanks.
Day Four -First Sunday in Advent
Lauren Kirsh-Carr
Pastor of Community Life and Administration
St. John Lutheran Church,
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Isaiah 2.1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13.11-14
Matthew 24.36-44
Many people will come and say, “Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:3
First, let me start by saying, “Happy New Year.” No, you didn’t miss a whole month, it’s not January 1, 2014! It is, however, the first Sunday in Advent and the beginning of a new church year. Advent is a season of preparation, a time to slow down and reflect on the real gift that’s being delivered on Christmas Eve – God born in flesh, coming into our broken world to redeem and heal it.
In the hectic rush of family Christmas preparations, it’s easy to forget and forgo the more important preparation of our hearts and minds for the coming of the Christ-child. This Advent, I wonder what it would look like to really slow down, to make a commitment to spending more time in the house of the God of Jacob, to take seriously our call to worship? Perhaps by engaging in an intention observance of Advent, with daily scripture reading and prayer, weekly worship and devotion, and acts of service, we might find that the focus of our new year moves from the over-indulgences of the “holiday” season, to a finer focus on the beauty of a God who loved us so much to break into our world.
As you think about what the month of December has in store for you, I invite you to take a few steps back, reflect on how you are called to walk in the paths of the Lord. Maybe this will be the best Christmas gift you can give yourself and your family this year. Maybe this can be your “New Year’s Resolution” so that by focusing on God’s path, your path will be made clear and your hearts will be prepared for Christ’s coming.
Questions for Reflection
1. How can I slow down this December and focus on following the Lord’s path?
2. What do I need to give up so that this “New Year’s Resolution” can be real in my life?
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Lord, bless our preparation for your coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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