We have expectations, but are often met with a reality that looks much different than we hoped. The good news of Jesus Christ is this: Who he really is, the reality beyond our expectations, is very good news for us.
This advent we discover who Jesus is and what he is promised to be through stories of the Old Testament. There a promise was made and expectations began. From the Old Testament to now, we learn Jesus is much better than we expected.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, open our eyes to your light and our ears to your words of hope. Come, O long-expected Jesus. Our hope is in you. Amen.
Word: 2 Samuel 12:5-6
“David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over.’”
Meditation: Brightly Burning
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis
Can you think of a time when you were angry? Not annoyed or frustrated, but truly angry. Maybe you felt your heart rate pick up or your palms got clammy. Maybe you clenched your fists or felt tension deep in your jawline. These physical changes are the body’s way of alerting you to the storm brewing inside.
Now, here’s the real kicker: what happened that made you feel so angry?
Did the kids break something?
Did a driver cut you off on the highway?
Did a family member make a snide comment behind your back?
Did your favorite sports team lose by a point due to a trick play?
Whatever the reason, from time to time, I’m sure you’ve felt angry about something, and for good reason. Our excerpt from 2 Samuel 12 says that King David “burned with anger” (v. 5) when Nathan shares the story of a rich man stealing the poor man’s lamb to provide a meal for a traveling guest.
We could call this an example of righteous anger. David yearned for justice for the poor man who lost his lamb to the rich man.
Although David yearned for justice, our God provided it. But not in the way that we expected.
Instead of giving us what we deserve because of our sins, God provided grace and forgiveness in the form of a tiny babe, born in Bethlehem — his son, Jesus. The hope and light from this holy child burned brightly then, and it still burns brightly today.
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we will experience eternal life with Him.
This Advent, may you burn brightly with the love of Jesus as you share his story.
Dear Lord, thank you for sending your son to save us. Help us to be a light to others in this dark world. Amen.
Prayer for Rest
· For physical, mental, and emotional health.
· For times of joy, delight, and leisure.
· For a Sabbath day free from work, tasks, and stress.
· For a holy time of worship.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, Heavenly Father, in this weary world, the valley of the shadow of death, grant me rest in your illuminating love and eternal life. Amen!