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 12:13
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’”
Meditation: Mirrors
Today’s meditation is written by Anna Jacob
A few weeks ago, I was helping friends unpack in their new house. In addition to several pieces of art, a couple mirrors needed to be hung up. Before this day, I had not given much thought to the mirrors in my life, seeing them as more functional than decorative. I like having them in useful places. For me, a mirror should serve a purpose and not just take up space on the wall.
God often uses mirrors in our lives. Not literal mirrors. Instead, he uses people and stories for us to reflect on.
In our reading today, Nathan uses a story to reach out to David regarding his sin. In using this story, he held up a mirror to David, giving him an opportunity to see his sin reflected in the actions of the rich man.
Have you ever had a moment where a story made you uncomfortable? Someone asks you about your day, but it is not worth repeating because you may not have made the best choices. It can seem easy to push those feelings away, setting them aside and not dwelling on them.
Yet God does not want us to live that way. In the darkness, alone with our failures. He wants us to acknowledge our need for him. Only through repentance can we then receive the forgiveness we desperately need. Denial does nothing for us but help us to avoid the mirrors in our life.
At other times, we may hear a story or look in the mirror and not see what others may see. We may need to rely on others to help call out our imperfections. Now these are not to be done in spite, but to help build one another up. Nathan did this for David. Telling a tale that made David feel the injustice of the situation. And when David fails to see the connection to his own life, Nathan calls him out on it.
But Nathan does not leave David in despair. After David repents, Nathan acknowledges what God has done for him and offers up forgiveness. This confession and absolution is something all Christians are still in need of, which we include as part of our worship on Sunday.
It is one thing to point out others shortcomings, but to reflect the love and grace we receive through faith in Christ is a blessing. Thank God for those in our life that can lovingly remind us of our sins, but continue to walk with us despite our failures and shortcomings.
Dear Lord, thank you for your mercy and grace. Daily I am convinced that I need you more and more. Help me to not fall into despair, but to repent and receive your forgiveness. By shining a light in me, may I also reflect your love and forgiveness to others. In your name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for the World
· For my city, state, and country.
· For leaders: mayor, governor, president, congress.
· For those who serve the public: police officers, firefighters, teachers, first responders, medical personnel.
· For the nations of the world, for world leaders.
· For good government, good schools, good business.
· For justice, especially for the oppressed: minorities, immigrants and refugees, orphans, widows, the very young or unborn, the aged.
· For creation: for the care of land, air, wildlife, and sea.
Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, the condition and problems in my life require a miracle. Thank you for the miracle of the incarnation of your son Jesus. Continue to work the miracle of your salvation and redemption of the world each day. Amen!