Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Sharing the Experience
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Steve Sveom.
Acts 8:26-40 tells the story of an Ethiopian eunuch traveling on the road to Gaza. The story of the gospel of Luke has narrowed the narrative of God’s work to the culmination of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem with the crucifixion and resurrection. But after resurrection, in the first chapter of Acts, Jesus tells the disciples that they will be his “witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” This story expands the witness beyond the narrow confines of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. The story is not about compelling or forcing belief but about sharing the experience of Jesus among those who are searching. The Ethiopian eunuch was searching for something as he read the prophet Isaiah. He was curious and searching and Philip joined him to share his experience of Jesus’ love for the world. That is witnessing. Considering another person and when appropriate sharing one’s own experience. The Ethiopian is an early example of the message of Jesus pouring out into the world with the story of God’s grace and love for the whole world. The eunuch, a capable person, but one who was sexually mutilated at the manipulations of the powerful who were afraid of possible threats to power or position. The eunuch, who was ineligible for positions of power or even acceptance by God in the eyes of many, asks an important question. “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” Philip’s answer, by baptizing him, was a resounding “nothing.” And that is the story of God’s grace. It is unlimited by human judgments and categories. God’s love is for all.
Gracious God, give us hearts to hear the searching of ourselves and others and to hear your amazing grace which has no limits. Amen.
Previously…
What Language Do You Speak?
Today's author is Prince of Peace member & retired ELCA Pastor, Rev. Gary Olson. Please read Luke 7:18-23 John the Baptist was in prison; put there by King Herod Antipas because John had dared to speak truth to power. John told Herod and whoever would listen that...
When Doubt Finds Us
John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus’ mission, now sits in prison and asks, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is raw, honest—born of disappointment and unmet expectations. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John for doubting. Instead, He points to the evidence of transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. Jesus is rewriting the story, but not in the way John expected.
Great Expectations
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Jim Armstrong. Luke 4:14-30 Great news – Jesus is coming. He’s traveling in our direction. He will be here soon. Boy, will that be great. Did you hear what he’s been doing. I can’t believe it. He healed a blind man. He...
The Compassion of Jesus
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Rev. Steve Sveom. Luke 7:1-17 Luke tells the story of a centurion who demonstrates faith and Jesus who heals and restores the dead son of a grieving mother. The power of illness and death is powerful. The compassion of Jesus...