Living Faith Devotional 96

Advent Week 4: Promise
12/22 – 12/28
 
During the weeks of Advent, we have focused on Preparation, Hope, Passion, Peace, Joy, and Presence. This final Sunday and week of the season, which includes Christmas Day, we turn our attention to Promise and Love. During Advent we have been reminded that the God of love fulfills his promises according to his perfect timing and will. The prophet Micah shared this promise from God, “out of you {Bethlehem} will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2 NIV). The prophecy was fulfilled in Bethlehem when Jesus was born on the first Christmas day about 700 years after it was shared through the prophet. In Jesus, God fulfilled many promises spoken through various prophets. In Christ, the God of love fulfilled his promise to Abraham to bless all the people of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Rejoice, because the Lord has fulfilled his promises in the past, fulfills them now, and will fulfill them in the future!
 
As we move past the winter solstice, the day of the year with the least amount of potential sunlight, we move forward into the new day and new season that God has for us that is made possible through Jesus Christ. Whatever darkness there is in the world, in our nation, in the community, in your family, or surrounding you, the Lord encourages us through the prophet Isaiah that “a light has dawned,” which is the light of the world, Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord (Isaiah 9:2 NIV; John 8:12). This week we come together as the people of Jesus’ Church, as well as gathering with family members and friends, to praise and adore Christ the Lord! This week we celebrate that the God of hope, peace, joy, and love came to offer us salvation, redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness through his Son, Jesus, as well as to be with us in midst of the darkness caused by our sins so that we may never live in darkness again (John 1:3-5; 8:12). As representatives of Jesus, our physical presence with people, gifts we give, acts of service, words of encouragement, listening, helping, and supporting family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, siblings in Christ, and others are ways we live God’s love here and now. Wherever you go and whomever you are with this week, let the love and light of Christ our Lord shine in and through you! Merry Christmas!
 
 
Week 4 Daily Hymn:
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Listen to the hymn, sing or play it if you’re a musician, or read the lyrics to prepare your heart, mind, and soul for time with the Lord.
 
Week 4 Bible Verses:
Sunday – Micah 5:2-4; Isaiah 9:2-7
Monday – Luke 1:39-56
Tuesday (Christmas Eve) – Luke 2:1-20
Wednesday (Christmas Day) – John 1:1-14
Thursday – Titus 2:11-14
Friday – Hebrews 1:1-12
Saturday – Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 96
 
Week 4 Daily Prayer:
You are encouraged to let the daily Bible verses guide your prayer before you conclude with the one from the United Methodist Book of Worship for this week:
 
God of the ages, we praise you,
for in the dawn of time you created the world,
sending light by your Word to dispel darkness.
In Jesus Christ you began a new creation,
sending him to be the Light of the world,
to drive away fear and despair,
and to rule in peace and justice, holiness and love.
 
Mighty God, prepare the world for your rule,
for we long for the day when there shall be no more crying or tears,
and death will be destroyed.
Help us to share the ministry of Christ and be agents of his compassion.
All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Presbyterian Daily Prayer, U.S.A., 20th Cent., Alt.)
 
*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.

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