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 15:1
“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’”
Meditation: The Greatest Reward
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis
In our society today, I believe that we use the term “reward” a little bit too loosely. When the dog sits still for five seconds, we give him or her a treat. If a child participates in an activity, they receive a ribbon. If you spend “X” amount of dollars at Kohl’s, you are rewarded with “free” cash to use toward another purchase.
The dictionary defines a “reward” as something given in recognition of one’s service, effort or achievement.
Although that definition feels a little bit truer and more authentic, I’d like to argue that Genesis gives us the best definition of a true reward.
In chapter 15, we learn that Abram has not yet left his homeland. He hasn’t even become Abraham yet. In fact, he’s just learning about our God, who he is, and the plan he is creating for future generations. The Lord reveals himself to Abram in a dream. And he says:
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1).
In this passage, our God is crystal clear. Our greatest reward—the best reward you could ever receive—is God himself.
Let that sink in for a minute.
It’s not the trinkets, the boxes or the bags underneath a Christmas tree.
It’s not a new car, the nicest home on the block, or a six-figure paycheck.
The greatest reward that you and I will ever receive is a real relationship with God. And he offers that to us freely, just as he promised it to Abram.
It’s easy to get distracted by everything that’s going on in the world around us. We can get sidetracked by the “wins” and “rewards” that the world might tempt us with, especially during busy seasons. But as Christians, we know that our greatest reward is our God, who loved us so much that he sent his own son to save us.
May that truth be your greatest reward this Advent season.
Dear Lord, thank you for being my greatest reward. Help me to grow closer to you and to treasure my relationship with you, today and always. 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!