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 15:8
“But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?’”
Meditation: What’s the Plan?
Today’s meditation is written by Anna Jacob
From a young age, we are told to look ahead, to plan our future. As children, we are asked what we want to be when we grow up. In high school, we are asked what career we want to have. As a young adult, we are asked about our five year plan. As we get older, we are asked about our relationships, having children, where we want to live. Even in retirement, we are asked what our plan is for life after work.
There are times when the answers to these questions come easily. But most of the time, it seems our plans never work out the way we envisioned them. Many things in life can feel out of our control. The plans we make can feel impossible at times.
My sister’s house sits on 40 acres out in the country. The sunrises and sunsets there can be stunning. The colors fill the sky and the horizon is full of fields and trees and hills. It is a gorgeous panoramic.
The day after Thanksgiving, a fog rolled in, obscuring my view of the trees and hills in the distance. Yet shining through the fog was the sun.
Life can feel uncertain. At times, you cannot see beyond the horizon. Things seem impossible. But we can rely on the certainty of God. He knows your story. He wants the best for you. And when you cannot see ahead, you can lean into him.
In reality, it is hard trusting in a plan we cannot see. That is where faith comes in. Sometimes not seeing the mountains ahead can help us to focus on the valley we are in. Not that we do not look ahead, but instead use those moments to refocus on the one who is guiding us along the way.
Ultimately, it comes down to trust. Trust in a God that not only wants the best for us, but has the power to see it through. We have a loving God that cares for us. We have a God that sacrifices for us. We have a God that is continuously with us.
He is with us in the darkness, in the fog. When the plan seems impossible, we trust in a possible God. We look to the son, Jesus Christ, and remember a promise fulfilled. We remember a baby born, from Abram’s lineage, a Savior born to conquer death.
We may not understand God’s plan, or his timing. But he does have a plan for us. He tells us in his Word. He promises us. And our God is a god that fulfills promises.
Dear Lord, thank you for having a plan for me. With your guidance, I will trust in your promises. Help me to focus on you. In your name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we live in a world full of tension. In your son you hold all tensions in perfect balance, justice and mercy, agony and ecstasy, law and Gospel. Create in me deeper faith in you in the midst of tension. Amen!