Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Just Wait
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Cathy Canfield.
Isaiah 40:3 – Prepare the way of the Lord.
“Just Wait.” I’m not sure how many times I have said these words, but I know it’s a lot; to my children, as I worked with children and adults, to my phone as it’s ringing. We spend much of our life waiting. As a child, I waited for summer vacations, for books to come in the mail, for graduation. Later I waited for college, job, husband, babies, grandchildren. And as I waited, I prepared: travel plans, wedding, nurseries, trips to see family. Anxiety accompanies some waiting, and some preparations are made with joy. Waiting is an ordinary part of life.
During Advent every year, I put up a tree and other decorations, purchase gifts, make plans, go to special church services and concerts, sometimes even bake cookies or send cards. Preparations are fun, but sometimes cause anxiety. The most extraordinary part of this time of waiting, is that we know exactly what we are waiting for. We are waiting for and celebrating a baby that was born over 2000 years ago. We know the story, and yet we celebrate with great anticipation every year. Even years when we are grieving the loss of a loved one, we celebrate this baby Jesus that came as our Savior. We know the rest of the story too, the pain Christ will suffer, the death and resurrection, and yet, we wait and prepare for Christ’s birth every Christmas…for 2000 years. How extraordinary!
The waiting and preparing does not end with our Christmas celebrations. We also have the promise that Christ will come again and we will have eternal life in heaven. That is an extraordinary promise, just like the promise of the coming of a Messiah was in Isaiah’s days. We can continue to prepare by sharing that Good News with others.
John 14:1-3 – Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Previously…
Co-Creators with God
Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Exodus 32:1-14, where God changes course in response to Moses’ intercession, choosing mercy over destruction. This powerful moment reminds us that God is not distant or unmoving but deeply involved in our lives. We are invited to embrace our identity as co-creators with God, actively participating in shaping the world.
Transformed by Grace
As we begin in our new worship series this weekend, we’ll be reminded that God’s presence often comes in the most critical moments. This Sunday, we reflect on the story of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn away from God in their fear and impatience. Yet, instead of destruction, God responds with mercy. This moment is pivotal, revealing that even when we fall short, God’s desire is to transform us through grace.
The Promise of Passover
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 The first commandment reads: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2) ...
Belonging to God’s Promise & Purpose
In the story of the Exodus we listened to yesterday, the Israelites are instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as a sign of protection from the coming plague. This act of obedience and faith ensured that the angel of death would pass over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This moment in the Exodus story reveals a key aspect of God’s relationship with God’s people: God’s protection and faithfulness in times of crisis.