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Thanks so much,
Dale

Day 22
Patient Delight
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, on this blessed day, as we gather to reflect upon your Word, we open our hearts to receive your guidance and wisdom. We pray for your Spirit to illuminate our minds, helping us to understand your Word. Prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In his name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
Isaiah 37:1-7
 
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
 
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
 
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
 
7 Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
 
The Great Tradition
 
In everything he taught the benefit of hope in God: the person hoping in God, he says, and fed by him will enjoy the goods supplied by him while those who find delightful constant converse with him will most of all attain them. (Theodoret of Cyr)
 
How do you show yourself subject to [God]? By doing what he commanded. You do not receive your reward yet, but that may be because you are not yet capable of it. He is already able to give it, but you are not able to receive it. Exert yourself in your tasks, labor in the vineyard, and when evening comes ask for your wages, for he who brought you into the vineyard is trustworthy. (Augustine)
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Gracious Lord, forgive us for the times we have allowed the success of those who follow wicked paths to disturb our peace. In moments of uncertainty, strengthen our trust in you. Help us to focus on the eternal perspective, knowing that your ways are higher than our ways. We confess our impatience and pray for a heart that waits on you with unwavering faith and delight. In Christ we pray. Amen.
 
Reflection
 
Do you trust the Lord when times are tough, when you see those who do not appear to care about the things of God prospering? I believe our trust grows as our eternal perspective becomes clearer. How little would we worry about the things of the world, or value the things of the world, if we saw things more clearly from God’s perspective? If we valued what God values?
 
The Psalmist encourages us not to fret about those who do evil or be envious of those who do what is wrong. Instead, we should not wander off to the right or left, but continue down the right path, trusting God the whole way, obeying him as we travel.
 
Better yet, as we travel with God, let us love what he loves and desire what he desires. How do we discover what those things are? Theodoret tells us we do so by conversing with God continually. And as we speak with, and listen to our loving God, he will not only show us what delights him, but will give us those things as well. But we must be patient with God. He reveals and gives according to his schedule, not ours. We must trust that he always has our best interest at heart and knows what our best interest is. When we’re certain of those two truths, we can be at peace because we know we are being well loved and cared for.
 
Key Principles
 

• Trust the Lord During Adversity: In verse 1, we’re told, “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.” In a world where it seems that those who disregard God’s ways often prosper, it’s easy to become anxious or even envious. However, the Lord calls us to trust him, especially during challenging times. Trusting God means acknowledging his sovereignty, knowing that his plans are perfect, even when we cannot comprehend them.

 

• Delight in the Lord’s Ways: Verse 4 instructs us to “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Our delight in the Lord stems from a deep and continuous relationship with him. Theodoret reminds us that through constant conversation with God, we discover his desires and, in turn, are able to find delight in them.

 

• Patiently Waiting: In verse 7, we’re encouraged to “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.” Patience is a virtue often tested when we desire quick resolutions or immediate answers. Augustine reminds us that our Heavenly Father is trustworthy and capable of providing, but the timing is in his hands, not ours.

 
Walking Points
 

• During this Advent season, take intentional moments to cultivate a spirit of trust in God. Reflect on his faithfulness in your life and the lives of those around you. Consider keeping a journal to document instances where God’s good providence has been evident, reinforcing your trust in his care for you.

 

• As we prepare our hearts for the Advent season, commit to cultivating a continuous conversation with God. Set aside dedicated time for prayer, reading Scripture, and listening to his voice. The more intentional and set-apart time we spend with our loving Father, the better we will understand his will and more easily align ourselves with it.

 

• Advent, with its emphasis on anticipation and waiting, provides a beautiful backdrop for us to embrace patience. Use this season to reflect on the waiting endured by those in the Bible, from the prophets anticipating the Messiah to Mary and Joseph awaiting the birth of Jesus. Practice patience in your daily life, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

 
Conclusion
 
As we navigate the challenges of life, let’s anchor our trust in the Lord, finding peace in the hope of his promises. This Advent season let’s prayerfully pursue a spirit of trust, delight in the Lord’s ways through continuous communion and conversation, and patiently trust in his timing. And let’s remember the words of Augustine who said, “Exert yourself in your tasks, labor in the vineyard, and when evening comes ask for your wages, for he who brought you into the vineyard is trustworthy.” And so, he is. Thanks be to God.

Day 21
Watch and Pray
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, as we delve into your Word today, we humbly ask for the illuminating guidance of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts to receive the lessons you have for us during this Advent season. May our reflections be a source of growth and readiness for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In his name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
Luke 21:29-38
 
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
 
The Great Tradition
 
“Watch” over your life. Do not let “your lamps” go out, and do not keep “your loins ungirded,” but “be ready,” for “you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.” Meet together frequently in your search for what is good for your souls, since “a lifetime of faith will be of no advantage”2 to you unless you prove perfect at the very end. In the final days, multitudes of false prophets and seducers will appear. Sheep will turn into wolves, and love into hatred. With the increase of iniquity, people will hate, persecute and betray each other. Then the world deceiver will appear in the disguise of God’s Son. He will work “signs and wonders,” and the earth will fall into his hands. He will commit outrages such as have never occurred before. Then humankind will come to the fiery trial, “and many will fall away” and perish. “Those who persevere in their faith will be saved”5 by the Curse himself. Then “there will appear the signs”7 of the Truth: first the sign of stretched-out hands in heaven, then the sign of “a trumpet’s blast,” and third, the resurrection of the dead, but not all the dead. As it has been said, “The Lord will come and all his saints with him. Then the world will see the Lord coming on the clouds of the sky.” (Didache 16.1–7)
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Gracious Lord, forgive us for the times we have allowed the distractions of this world to draw us away from the richness of your Word. We confess moments of spiritual distraction and laziness and the pull of temporal pleasures. Renew within us a spirit of watchfulness and a commitment to persistent prayer. Thank you for your grace that restores and refocuses us. In Christ, we pray. Amen.
 
Reflection
 
In many ways this is Part Two of yesterday’s devotion. Many texts through the Advent season encourage us… urge us… to be prepared, as we have noted several times. We hear those parabolic warnings throughout the Gospels of thieves coming in the night, virgins being unprepared with their oil when the bridegroom returns, and more.
 
Jesus assures us in today’s Scripture reading that though the whole universe will pass away, his words will never do so. It has been said that the only things that will last for eternity are people and the word of God. Therefore, we have confidence that what Jesus shares with us in these hard words are not only true, but lasting. Furthermore, they are shaped in the form of promises, so they will come to pass as surely as the sun will rise and set each day.
 
In verse 34, Jesus says, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” Have you found yourself so caught up in the troubles and worries of each day that you forget to keep your eyes on Jesus? Or, perhaps you have discovered during the tough times of your life, or even those mundane seasons of life, that we can all too easily turn to distractions… distractions that numb us to life’s cold realities. Of course, the answer to our problems is Jesus, which sounds like a proper Sunday School answer, but it’s still a true answer. Jesus warns us against being “weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” It might accurately be said that Satan and his evil underlings know us better than we know ourselves. That demonic company knows our weaknesses and the best ways to tempt us. Thus, Jesus tells us to beware of such things, for they are traps being set for the unprepared and unsuspecting.
 
That’s why so much time is spent in Scripture, and throughout the Advent season, urging us to be ready for the Day of the Lord. We won’t get an email or text at the beginning of the year to let us know of Christ’s return. And, as we learned yesterday, whether he returns before we die or we return to him before his second advent, we will still stand before him to give an account. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather my Advocate, the Lord Jesus Christ, be the one to stand in my place and plead my case by declaring the precious truth that he took upon himself my sin and brokenness, rather than me sharing my own spiritual resume with God.
 
So, Jesus says in verse 36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Always! Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, month by month, and so on. We must always be on watch, for the devil is like a lion waiting to pounce upon us in those unguarded moments. Let us also remember we cannot do what is being asked of us, at least not in our own strength. We need the Spirit of the Living God flowing through our hearts, minds, and souls. We need to pray without ceasing and constantly be lovers and students of the Word of God. We need the fellowship of the saints to rally around us with love, care, and encouragement, just as we, in turn, offer the same to them.
 
When Jesus returns it will not be in secret. The whole world will know. And that will not be the day to “get right with the Lord.” That will be the day, as C.S. Lewis observed, when you discover whose side, you have been on all along. And so, to emphasize the point yet again, today is the day of salvation. Turn to Christ today and live.
 
Key Principles
 

• A Lasting Word: Jesus declares with unwavering certainty that, despite the temporal nature of the universe, his words will endure. This echoes Psalm 119:89, which reminds us, “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” The implications are profound. In a world of uncertainty, where circumstances shift like sand, we can anchor ourselves in the lasting truth of God’s promises. Advent calls us to cling to God’s unchanging Word as we seek to walk faithfully with our Lord through this life.

 

• Watch Out for Distractions: Verse 34 serves as a warning against being ensnared by the cares and of life. The allure of carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life can act as subtle traps, diverting our focus from the eternal to the temporal. C.S. Lewis put it this way, “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.” Advent challenges us to examine our hearts, identifying distractions that may hinder our readiness.

 

• Watchful Prayer: In verse 36, Jesus urges us to be “always on the watch” and to pray continually. This underscores the necessity of a life marked by prayerful communion with God. It echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which encourages believers to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” Advent invites us into a posture of perpetual prayer, acknowledging our dependence on God’s strength.

 
Walking Points
 

• Immerse yourself in God’s Word daily. Advent is a great time to commit to reading and meditating on Scripture. Let it saturate your thoughts, actions, and decisions.

 

• Identify and eliminate distractions that hinder your spiritual focus. This may involve setting boundaries on certain activities or habits. Designate a day to disconnect from digital distractions, using the time for focused prayer, reflection, and quality time with loved ones.

 

• Cultivate a habit of continuous prayer. Set reminders throughout your day to pause and spend time with God, acknowledging and practicing his presence in every moment. And, at the risk of contradicting what I shared in the previous Walking Point, there are some great apps on most phones that can help remind you to pause what you’re doing and draw close to God.

 
Conclusion
 
“Watch and Pray.” That combination seems so simple yet the need to practice those disciplines daily can wear us down. But that remains our Lord’s admonition. He has our best interest at heart and wants us to persevere to the end and finish our journey well. He has given us his eternal and unchanging Word to encourage and equip us to stand firm against the various distractions of this life. May our hearts and minds be attuned to the rhythm and reminders of Advent, ever watchful for the glorious return of our Lord. Amen.

​Day 20
Preparing for Glory
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, as we open our hearts to your Word, guide us in our reflections on the second coming of your Son. May we find wisdom and inspiration to live each day in anticipation of your unveiled glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
Luke 21:20-28
 
20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
 
The Great Tradition
 
The conclusion to the eschatological discourse focuses on the need to prepare for the coming of the Son of man on clouds after people see the signs in the sky (Didache). Christ comes in a cloud to cover the mystery of his heavenly descent, like the presence of God in the Old and New Testaments (Ambrose). “Son of man” is the title most associated with Jesus in his passion. Now the crucified and glorified Christ comes from heaven (Augustine). When believers see him coming, they know that that the dead are about to be raised and they will receive the glorious body promised in the resurrection of all flesh (Cyril of Alexandria). The coming of the Son of man only intensifies the fear of unbelievers, for people will wither from suffering, and fear is a sign that the end is near (Augustine).
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Lord, forgive us for the times we have neglected to watch for the signs of your coming. We confess our shortcomings and seek your mercy. Grant us the grace to live each day with the awareness that our redemption is drawing near. In Jesus’ name, we humbly ask for your forgiveness. Amen.
 
 
Reflection
 
As alluded to in a previous devotion, many Christians today associate Advent readings almost exclusively with the coming of baby Jesus and discourses on his incarnation. Our Lord’s first Advent, of course, has much to do with both. And make no mistake about it, that is reason to rejoice! But, in the early church, Advent was understood to also be a time of penitence. Reflections during the season of Advent included both the first and second coming of Christ.
 
Today’s Scripture highlights his second coming. It’s an unsettling portrait painted by our Lord, one we often forget is in the New Testament, or at least in the Gospels. Yet here it is. When Jesus spoke these words, the fall of Jerusalem was about four decades away. When Jesus would return in clouds of glory, only the Father knew. That remains true today as well.
 
Yet Jesus makes the point to his first-century hearers, and us as well, that signs will attend his return and we ignore them at our peril. In fact, many of the readings throughout Advent remind us that the surest way to be ready for Christ’s return is never to not be ready, pardon the poor grammar. As the Boy Scout motto declares, we must always “be prepared.” And when Christians see the signs of eternity intermingled with signs of the times, we should recognize that the time of our redemption draws near. And whether Christ comes in the middle of this paragraph, five years from now, or whenever our last day will be, we must live each day as though it is our last, knowing we will live in God’s unveiled presence forever. We shall see him as he is, and it will be glorious. It will be beautiful.
 
C.S. Lewis reminded us of both sides of the coin of Christ’s return. Paraphrasing Lewis, he said the return of Christ and the end of all things as we know them will bring either intense joy or intense terror. Those of us who know Christ will experience no condemnation, for our sins have already been condemned when Christ took upon himself our judgement. Those who depend upon themselves and their own righteousness, or who reject the idea of needing to be righteous in the first place, will find themselves judged by the King of kings and Lord of lords on that Day.
 
A mentor of mine said often that every Christian should have two days marked on their calendar: today and that Day. Christ will return in glory. He will carry the sword of justice. Grace is for today. Today is the day of salvation. Therefore, entreat your loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, and others not to put off turning to Christ in trusting faith. He calls to them even now. Like the Hound of Heaven, he is in continual pursuit of those who would flee him. Yet, they too can enjoy the assurance and delight of knowing their judgement has been atoned for by the cross of Christ. They can rest each night knowing their guilt has been forgiven and their consciences cleansed. They can simultaneously be thrilled and humbled in knowing they will experience no condemnation, but only eternal fellowship, rest, and joy with the One who loves them with a perfect love.
 
Key Principles
 

• Be Prepared: Like the Boy Scout motto, Jesus urges us to be prepared. As you have no doubted observed, many of our readings throughout Advent emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and recognizing the signs that point to the eternal reality of Christ’s return and the judgement he will bring.

 

• Maintain an Eternal Perspective: The uncertainty of Christ’s return underscores the need to live each day as if it were our last. This echoes the urgency found in the Gospel message – grace is for today, and today is the day of salvation.

 

• Christ Will Return: As Lewis put it, the return of Christ will bring either intense joy or terror. Our relationship with Christ determines our response on that Day, emphasizing the urgency of sharing the Gospel with others.

 
Walking Points
 

• Daily prayer and Scripture reflection will help you cultivate spiritual awareness to serve you in discerning the signs of Christ’s presence in your daily life. These disciplines can also establish a foundation for living with a heightened sense of his return. Therefore, be intentional in setting aside a specific time each day for prayer and reflection on Scripture.

 

• Identify one specific area of your life where you can align your actions with the values of God’s kingdom. Whether it’s in your relationships, work, or personal habits, make intentional choices that reflect Christ’s Lordship in your life.

 

• Choose at least one person in your life—whether a family member, coworker, or friend—to share the message of the Gospel with. Engage in conversations about where they are when it comes to their faith. Be sure to really listen to their concerns, and lovingly communicate the hope they can find in Christ.

 
Conclusion
 
As we continue our pilgrimage through this Advent season, let’s prayerfully consider how we can embrace the dual nature of our Advent anticipation—joyful celebration of Christ’s first coming and vigilant preparation for his glorious return. May we stand firm, lift our heads, and live each day in the assurance that our redemption is drawing near. For it is.

Day 19
The Faithfulness of a Poor Widow
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, as we gather in reflection and meditation, open our hearts to receive the wisdom found in your Word. May the lessons of sacrificial giving and steadfastness shape our lives as we navigate the Advent season. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
Luke 20:41 – 21:4
 
41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.” ’
44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
 
45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
 
21:1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
 
The Great Tradition
 
Although the spite of some people does not grow gentle with any kindness, nevertheless the works of mercy are not fruitless, and kindness never loses what is offered to the ungrateful. May no one, dearly beloved, make themselves strangers to good works. Let no one claim that his poverty scarcely sufficed for himself and could not help another. What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls. The “widow” in the Gospel put two coins into the “treasury,” and this surpassed the gifts of all the rich. No mercy is worthless before God. No compassion is fruitless. He has given different resources to human beings, but he does not ask different affections. (Leo the Great)
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Merciful Father, forgive us for the times we have given out of abundance without true sacrifice. We confess the moments of comparison that have tainted our joy in giving. Grant us the grace to cultivate sacrificial hearts and to embrace a Kingdom economy that values steadfastness and godly affections. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
 
Reflection
 
I am tempted to let Leo the Great’s words stand alone for today’s reflection for they are beautifully and poignantly expressed. This morning I was reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens. The two men collecting money for the poor introduced themselves and their errand to Scrooge, at which time they were immediately and ungraciously rebuffed with his contempt and disdain for others, including these “do-gooders.” Here was a man who could have financially helped everyone within his sphere yet closed his heart to them all. (Of course, we know the rest of the story and what can happen to a person whose heart is reborn and reopened by grace.)
 
Yet the people Luke tells us about in today’s Scripture are of a different kind than Scrooge was in the scene I described. These are people who could give much and did so. It’s not that they were wrong to give. But they were giving out of their abundance and thus their offering was not sacrificial. The poor widow, who probably should have been the recipient of the temple treasury’s provision for the poor, gave out of her impoverished condition. Hers, according to Jesus, was the sacrificial gift that is dear to our Father’s heart.
 
Whether we are giving money or our time and talent, God calls us to be living sacrifices, which is our acceptable service to the Lord (Romans 12:1). It shows our commitment to God to be sure. But it also reveals a deep dependence upon him as well. For if we give what we will not miss, or do that which costs us nothing, we are not living sacrificial lives.
 
Let me hasten to add that we are not called to live this sort of life in order to earn the favor of God. If we are Christians, then we have already been saved by God’s grace alone, received by faith in Christ alone. This is no meritorious system. This is fruit. What else would a life redeemed and reconciled by a gracious God look like?
 
The other word of caution we must be mindful of is to avoid comparing our giving to others. All others. As the old saying goes, comparison is death to contentment. Another cliché reminds us that comparison is death to joy. The widow gave numerically less than the others yet gave more because it was all she had. That’s how God’s Kingdom economy works. In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the person who increased the two talents he was given to four, received the same praise as the one who doubled his five talents to ten. Each was given a particular number of talents. Each was faithful with what he had been given. Each received the same praise from his master.
 
Whether you are rich or poor, gifted with many talents or few, you are called to give out of what the Lord has provided you. If you have more, give more. If you have little, give what you are able. Leo was surely correct when he said, “What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls.” Let the steadfastness of your soul be enlarged, like the widow’s soul in our Scripture, or like the soul of Ebeneezer Scrooge himself. Not because you have to, as our senior pastor likes to put it, but because you get to. Yet let this paraphrased divine caveat be inserted here: “to the person who has been given much, much is expected (Luke 12:48). Let the recipients of such gifts rejoice at the opportunities that await.
 
Key Principles
 

• A Sacrificial Heart: The contrast between the showy givers and the humble widow reveals the heart of sacrifice. Jesus warns against superficial acts of generosity, emphasizing the importance of giving from a place of dependence on God. The widow’s meager offering becomes a testament to the depth of her commitment and trust in the Lord. This Advent, let our giving be marked by a sacrificial heart, recognizing that it’s not the amount but the sincerity of love for God and others that matters most to God.

 

• A Kingdom Economy: The Kingdom of God operates on a different economic scale – one that values sacrificial steadfastness over quantity. Just as the widow’s small offering surpassed the gifts of the wealthy, God’s Kingdom economy rewards faithfulness. Our lives are entrusted with varying amounts of resources, but what matters most is our faithful stewardship with what we’ve been given. This Advent let’s embrace God’s eternal perspective that values the unwavering commitment of our souls.

 

• Stop Comparing: Comparison, as the saying goes, is death to contentment. The widow’s offering, though numerically less, surpassed the gifts of the others because it was all she had. Likewise, in our walk with Christ, God doesn’t compare the quantity of our gifts but the authenticity of our faith. Let’s free ourselves from the chains of comparison and rejoice in the unique ways God has called each of us to give.

 
Walking Points
 

• Identify an area in your life where you can sacrificially give, whether it be your time, treasure, or talents. Allow this act of giving to be a tangible expression of your dependence on God.

 

• Spend some time with God asking him to reveal to you how you can align your priorities and actions with the values of his Kingdom during this Advent season? Take inventory of the resources and talents God has entrusted to your care. Prayerfully consider how you can faithfully steward these gifts for the advancement of Gods Kingdom.

 

• In what areas of your life do you find yourself tempted to compare your contributions to others? How can you overcome this temptation and find contentment in your unique calling? Spend time seeking to grow in your gratitude by acknowledging the unique gifts and contributions of others without comparing them to your own. Let this be a season of celebrating the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ.

 
Conclusion
 
During this Advent season let’s intentionally seek ways to sincerely express the words of gratitude, “Thanks be to God,” for the opportunities that await us in sacrificial giving. May the lessons from the widow’s offering inspire us to live out the principles of a sacrificial heart, God’s Kingdom economy, and a life free from comparison. In every act of giving, let’s reflect the love and generosity of our Savior, who gave himself for us, sacrificially. Amen.

Day 18
An Echo of Faith and Faithfulness
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, we bow before you in gratitude for the faith that unites us and for those who have gone before us as our encouragers and examples in the faith. Open our hearts to the sanctifying power of your Word, and may our lives be a joyful echo of the love, hope, and faith found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
 
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
 
The Great Tradition
 
For to give thanks to God for them is the act of one testifying to how they have advanced in the faith. Not only are the Thessalonians praised by Paul, but Paul thanks God for them, as though God himself had accomplished everything. Paul also teaches them to be moderate in their self-estimation, all but saying that all their growth is from the power of God. (Chrystostom)
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Forgiving Father, in the busyness of life, we confess that we sometimes neglect the active expression of our faith. We acknowledge moments when joy eludes us in the midst of challenges, and idols subtly take precedence over our devotion to you. Have mercy on us, cleanse our hearts, and guide us in the path of transforming grace. In the name of Jesus, we humbly pray. Amen.
 
Reflection
 
Good Shepherd, thank you for those who have shepherded me throughout my life and faith. For those who have led, fed, protected, healed, cared for, and loved me, I offer you my deepest gratitude. These are the very men and women who have modeled faith and godliness for me. I have been impacted in rich ways I will never be fully aware of, but also in many ways in which I am. Thank you for sending these people into my life O Lord, because I know every good gift is from you, including these shepherds and models of faith.
 
God, I pray that you will continually fill me with power from your Spirit, as you did the Thessalonians, for I cannot persevere without your gracious strength and stamina. Your Spirit animates my faith and life, from first to last, and I am lost without his presence living in and through me.
 
I humbly pray that my efforts of feebly attempting to imitate the godliness of those who have come before me will serve others on their journeys of faith as well. Like the Thessalonians, I pray that your truth will ring out by the example of my life, so that others might see and hear it and give you glory and praise and come to know you savingly.
 
I praise you for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and for rescuing me from the coming wrath. Please enable my “Christian ringing” to be an attractive echoing of grace, truth, and love, even in its urgency, instead of a clanging gong that drives others away from you. Let my message be your message and help me to trust you in all of it. Remind me that you will bring forth the fruit, not me. You call me to be faithful to you, regardless of how the world hears me. Give me faithfulness each day dear Lord. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
 
Key Principles
 

• Faith Revealed: The Thessalonians’ faith was not passive; it was dynamic and visible in their works produced by faith. As we move through the Advent season, let’s not merely speak of our faith but demonstrate it through acts of love, witness, and service. Reflect on the tangible ways your faith has produced good works in your life.

 

• Imitating Christ: The Thessalonians imitated Paul and, more importantly, the Lord, even in the midst of severe suffering. During this Advent, consider the challenges you face and how your response reflects the joy given by the Holy Spirit. In imitating Christ, we become beacons of hope and joy in a world that often feels overwhelmed by darkness.

 

• Fruit of Transformation: The power of the Gospel is evident in the lives of the Thessalonians. They turned from idols to serve the one, true, and living God and became models of faith for others. As we prepare for the arrival of our Savior, let’s examine our hearts and ask if there are idols we need to turn away from. How can our transformed lives be a testimony to those around us?

 
Walking Points
 

• Find a fellow disciple who has walked with Christ longer than you and ask them about their journey with Jesus. Discover how they persevered during the tough times as well as their go-to spiritual disciplines they practiced that helped them cultivate a long and fruitful faith. Ask them to share their experiences and wisdom they’ve learned that might encourage you in your walk with Christ. Then, find someone newer in the faith than you with whom you can be a blessing in a similar way.  

 

• Form a prayer partnership beginning this Advent season, but one that will last after it’s over. Pray specifically for each other’s faith, endurance, and acts of service. Perhaps you may even think of ways you can serve together. Just imagine the Apostle Paul’s report on a whole congregation practicing this.

 

• Remember to practice the regular rhythms of your family’s Advent traditions at home (or start new ones if you don’t already have a tradition). This could include daily Scripture readings, prayer times, or serving together as a family. Share your ideas and resources to help other families cultivate an atmosphere of faith, love, and hope within their homes during this special season. And don’t be shy about asking other families about what they do during the season. Growing in our faith is a community project and we need one another.

 
Conclusion
 
This Advent season, may the joy of the Thessalonians inspire us to express our faith dynamically. Let our actions, prompted by love, be a testament to the life-changing power of the Gospel. In imitating Christ and turning from our own idols, may our lives echo the Lord’s message, bringing hope to a world in need. May this Advent be a time of renewed commitment, good works, and anticipation for the glorious return of our Savior. Amen.

Day 17
Patiently We Wait
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, as we embark on this Advent journey, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the hope found in the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grant us wisdom and understanding as we reflect on your Word and guide us in living lives that proclaim your grace to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
 
Scripture Reading
 
2 Peter 3:1-10
 
Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
 
The Great Tradition
 
All those who love our Lord’s return must have a balanced approach to the whole question. We must not think that it is so near that it will come before time, but neither must we think that it will not come until much later. Rather we must be careful to make sure that, whether Christ comes sooner or later, he will find us ready and waiting for him when he appears. (Bede)
 
Prayer of Confession
 
Forgiving Father, in our impatience, we confess moments when we have doubted your timing and questioned your promises. Forgive us for times when we have failed to live in active expectation of your return and neglected opportunities to share your grace with others. Renew our spirits, and help us to walk in your patient love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
 
Reflection
 
Gracious God, we give you thanks, on this day of Advent, for the coming of our Lord, Savior, and King, Jesus Christ. You remind us in the gospels that he would be named Jesus for he would save his people from their sins. He is Lord and King of all and Savior of all who call upon him. That you love us and are mindful of even us, we give you our thanks this day.
 
Father, in a day when “scoffers” will come and deny and/or reject the proclamation and truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we pray for your protection and edification. Strengthen us to stand firm. Yet we pray for loving and tender hearts that help us to not turn our backs on such scoffers, but to patiently reach out to them with the good, life-giving, and life-transforming news of the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Remind us of that time, when things looked bleakest during those three days our Lord was in the tomb, that it was also your plan to raise him from the dead. Remind us again that there will be those who cry out, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” Remind us through your Spirit and inspired Word, that life and history are moving according to your providential plan, and thus, we needn’t worry or turn away from the path you have set before us.
 
As the venerable Bede put it, “Rather we must be careful to make sure that, whether Christ comes sooner or later, he will find us ready and waiting for him when he appears.” Furthermore, we’re able to wait because we know that “with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.” Father, you are caught off guard by nothing; our universe, and all within it, move according to your gracious and sovereign will. Moreover, you are “patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
 
Therefore, in one sense, let us rejoice for every “extra” day our Lord does not return. Let us think of each day as a day of grace, a day for disciples of Jesus Christ to boldly and lovingly declare to scoffers and seekers alike that today can be the day of their salvation. Let us encourage them to put their trust today in the babe of Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ. How good our God is to exercise such patience with us and “delay” his return so that “everyone” may turn to him in repentant faith.
 
Father, one day it will be too late for us to turn to you in repentance and faith. We pray for each and every person who has not yet done so. We pray that today would be the day of their salvation. Move them through the power of your Spirit. Give them eyes to see and ears to hear. Speak through us and others whom you have redeemed and reconciled to yourself. Our lives are different now because of who you are and what you have done in our lives through Christ the Lord. Let our words and lives awaken others to that possibility in their lives. For it is your desire.
 
Key Principles
 

• God is Patient: Peter reminds us that God’s timing is not constrained by our expectations. In the face of scoffers questioning the promised return of our Lord, we’re called to understand and trust in the patience of God. “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” God’s delay is not a sign of forgetfulness or reluctance but a display of his mercy, desiring that all may come to repentance.

 

• Living in Expectation: As we move through this Advent season, we’re reminded that the Christian life is one of active waiting. Our readiness for Christ’s return is not rooted in fear or anxiety but in a living hope. Like the faithful of old, we eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises, understanding that his plan unfolds according to his perfect timing.

 

• Ambassadors of Grace: Each day that Christ’s return is delayed is a day of grace. It’s an opportunity for his followers to boldly declare the Gospel, extending the invitation of salvation to scoffers and seekers alike. Our lives should reflect the reality of grace, and our words should resound with the urgency of repentance and faith.

 
Walking Points
 

• Set aside intentional time for prayer, interceding for those who have yet to experience the transformative power of Christ’s grace and come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Pray for opportunities to share your faith in your personal mission field and for receptive hearts among those who may be skeptical.

 

• Develop a mindset of patient love, understanding that God’s timing is perfect. Be intentional in demonstrating patience and grace to those around you, especially when faced with skepticism or opposition.

 

• Establish meaningful Advent traditions that focus on the anticipation of Christ’s coming. Whether through lighting an Advent wreath, daily Scripture and devotional readings with your family, prayer, or acts of service, let these traditions cultivate a sense of readiness and joy in your home.

 

• Engage in a church or parachurch ministry during the Advent season. Whether through volunteering, organizing events, or simply being present for others, let your actions reflect the love and hope found in Christ.

 
Conclusion
 
As we journey through this Advent season, may we be filled with hope and anticipation for the coming of our Lord. Let’s remember that his advent brings redemption, light, and victory over darkness. In a world of skepticism, let’s stand firm in our faith and lovingly share the good news of Jesus Christ. May we trust in God’s timing, knowing that he is patient and desires the salvation of all. As we wait, let’s be ready and actively proclaim the message of hope to those who have not yet turned to Christ. May the Advent season deepen our faith, transform our lives, and draw us closer to the one true King, Jesus Christ. Amen.