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 18:14
“At the appointed time I will return to you…”
Meditation: God’s Time
Today’s meditation is written by Koleen Barnes.
My husband and I got engaged in January 2017. It was an amazing intimate moment followed by a huge party with our friends and family. After the celebrations, we began planning the wedding. When would it be? Who would we invite? What would the colors be?
It is important to note that my husband is an engineer, which comes with incredibly difficult exams a few years after obtaining your undergraduate degree. Our engagement just so happened to come about eight months prior to one of these tests. So the deliberations began—should we rush and get married in a few months and have it all done before he began studying, or should we put off all planning until after the exam?
It is also important to note that once I decide on something, I’m all in. So waiting was out of the question. We rushed and booked and planned, resulting in a little shy of a five-month engagement. Our wedding was perfect.
In the fall of 2017 my Nana became ill and passed away. The following spring my husband lost his grandfather. We had a spring filled with the joy of engagement and matrimony only to lose two incredibly important family members a few months later.
After these losses, we were incredibly grateful that both of our grandparents were able to enjoy our wedding with us. We have photos and memories of both of them having the best time. It became evident that a decision that we were making for one reason obviously was shaped by God for another.
In our passage this week, Sarah and Abraham are on God’s schedule. I think it is incredibly easy to forget that we are also on God’s schedule and must abide by His perfect timing, even when we don’t know it. He is always guiding us and showing us what is best, just like he did for Abraham and Sarah.
Dear God, please guide us today, and every day, in your way. Comfort us in the fact that you have perfect timing that we may not understand. 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!