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 18:13-14
“The Lord said to Abraham, “… Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Meditation: Ain’t No Thing
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis
My first job out of college took me to Boca Raton, Florida, where I worked as an assistant editor for a lifestyle luxury magazine. I pitched my own stories and had tons of great experiences. There was a six-month period where I stayed at luxury hotels up and down the South Florida coast doing reviews for our readers. I did press trips to Aruba, Colombia, and Ireland. I talked to tons of interesting people, including Lane Kiffin, who at the time was head coach of Florida Atlantic University, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. For a 24-year-old Mizzou journalism graduate, this was a dream job.
About two years into my career, I was laid off due to financial circumstances beyond my control. The company was hemorrhaging money (unbeknownst to employees), and I, along with a couple others, were unexpectedly let go.
It was a tough pill to swallow. I remember getting in my car, the shock still washed over me. I called my mom and as I told her what happened, the reality set in.
I remember thinking, “OK, God, what am I going to do now? I have rent to pay, utilities I owe, … and no job!” In the moment, everything seemed utterly impossible.
In Genesis 18, the Lord promises that when he returns the following year, Abraham’s wife, Sarah, will have a son (v. 10). But Sarah laughs, disbelieving the Lord’s promise. In return, the Lord says to Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (v. 13-14)
We all know the answer— there’s nothing too difficult for God to accomplish. In his grace and mercy, he repeats his promise to Abraham again in verse 14: “I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” And it happened as the Lord told Abraham.
I frantically began a new job search, and eventually, I landed a new opportunity. It was tough, and there were days that it felt overwhelming, like nothing was going right. But I knew that the Lord would guide my steps.
Aren’t you glad that nothing is too hard for the Lord? I sure am.
Dear Lord, thank you for using Abraham and Sarah’s story to remind us that with you, anything is possible. Help us to lean on you in every situation. Amen.
Prayer for Neighbors
· For my immediate geographical neighbors.
· For my community, neighborhood, town/city.
· For neighbors hurting from broken families, addiction, violence, abuse, poverty, sickness.
· For the eyes of the Good Samaritan, to see and help my neighbor in need.
Closing Prayer
Father, in the midst of darkness may we cling to your sure and certain promises. Promises sealed in the blood of Christ and proven trustworthy in the empty tomb on Easter morning. Amen!