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 33:10
“Jacob said, ‘No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.’”
Meditation: Are You Worthy?
Today’s meditation is written by Anna Jacob
Sibling rivalry quickly turns into jealousy and hatred.
This time of year especially, it becomes easy to turn envious. We see others’ achievements and gifts and desire them for ourselves. We can inflate our egos to the point where we believe we deserve these gifts more than them. We would do almost anything to get the reward. To be seen as worthy.
No matter who you are, you will seek to find your worth in something, or someone. It may be a position at work, within your friend group, or even at church. We all want approval in one way or another. From our boss, our friends, our neighbors, our significant other, or even just ourselves. The list can go on and on.
We want to do our best. Yet in reality, our best efforts still fall short.
Growing up with three siblings, there rarely was a day that went by when two, if not all four, of us were in an argument. We would quarrel over seats at the dining table. There was a constant battle for control of the TV. (We did not have the luxury of smartphones or tablets existing yet.) The battle for the last poptart could get intense. And there are many others I could list.
However, there is one point of contention that remains with me the most. This was the coveted shotgun seat in our Ford minivan. The honor of this seat went to the oldest riding in the van that day. As the third child, I eagerly awaited my time to possess this seat. My little sister did not see it the same way as I did, thinking she did not need to wait for her turn. So even after both boys were in high school, she and I would still squabble over that seat.
Sibling arguments are never fun to watch.
There is a unique history there when you deal with a brother or sister. There is a sense of shared experience, but with each person having their own unique perspective. No relationship is the same between brothers and sisters. Then you throw in the parents and things become even more complex. Some children feel a stronger need to prove to their parents they are worthy of their love. Others may spend their adolescence trying to prove their parents are wrong. One child feels like the favorite. Another feels neglected. “That’s not fair!” becomes a common phrase.
We all want to feel seen. We may not acknowledge it in the same way. But we want to be worth something, to someone.
And there’s good news. God sees you. He wants to acknowledge you. You may not feel worthy. But through his love, through his compassion, through his sacrifice, you are accepted into his family. You are his. The seat is yours. And you are worthy.
Dear Lord, thank you for seeing me and accepting me. My worth can be found in you. Help me to remember your love and sacrifice. In your name I pray, 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!