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: Genesis 15:6
“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
Meditation: Wins by Koleen Barnes
In this story, God tells Abram, who has no children, that his descendants will outnumber the stars. That would be hard to believe for anyone, but here Abram is, believing the Lord.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to welcome our first child this year. A healthy baby boy. We soon realized that a lot of things in our lives would change. Sure, everyone tells you that things will change, but it never really clicks until it is happening. A year ago, if you told me I would be celebrating getting five hours of sleep a night, I would have called you crazy, and probably taken a nap for good measure. Our “wins” look a little different these days.
Abram wants a win. Needs one. The win that God promises him seems so far out of reach. Children seem so far off and unattainable, but Abram believes. In that one promise, Abram goes from asking what God could possibly give him to understanding and faith. His mind shifts from the “things” God could give him as a childless man straight to his future children.
In searching for quotes to help motivate me as a new mother, something to read to feel less ajar in this new role, I came across an unaccredited statement, “Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise.” Granted, this was not me speaking directly to God like Abram, but I assume it had a similar impact.
Moving forward in life, no matter the stage, your wins may look a little different. Maybe they focus on something you create, someone you raise, or someone in your life you decide to pour into. This holiday season, I am going to try and focus on the wins in the areas that God has thrust to the forefront of my path, not the wins I want. Maybe through this, through following God’s direction instead of my own, I will find more wins than I could have ever dreamed.
God, please help me to see wins where you are directing me this holiday season. Help me to focus on those you put into my path and allow me to pour into them, just as you pour into me. Amen.
Prayer for Family
· For my immediate family (parents, spouse, siblings).
· For extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents)
· For close friends that are as family to me.
· For those who don’t have families, or whose families are broken.
· For forgiveness and reconciliation where there is division in my family.
· For provision where there is need in my family.
· For God to be the foundation, and the cross the center of my family.
· For a generation yet unborn, future members of our family.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, you enter into our mess. You meet us in the midst of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. You break through with eternal hope, that through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus all our pain will be healed, all of our sin is forgiven, all of our messes will be redeemed. May we live in that hope this day, amen!