2020 Daily Devotion - Day 261

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Advent is a unique time in the life of the church. It can sometimes be a little difficult to understand. If you were strict about it, you would sing only Advent hymns during this season, and Christmas hymns only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the weeks to follow. So, what is this all about? John Piper gives this wonderful example:

“Here’s an Advent illustration for kids — and those of us who used to be kids and remember what it was like. Suppose you and your mom get separated in the grocery store, and you start to get scared and panic and don’t know which way to go, and you run to the end of an aisle, and just before you start to cry, you see a shadow on the floor at the end of the aisle that looks just like your mom. It makes you really happy and you feel hope. But which is better? The happiness of seeing the shadow, or having your mom step around the corner and it’s really her?

That’s the way it is when Jesus comes to be our High Priest. That’s what Christmas is. Christmas is the replacement of shadows with the real thing.”
― John Piper

Isaiah 7:14 ESV
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

So Advent becomes this period of waiting and expectation – the realization God always keeps His promises, however, not always according to our schedule. And this can be used for our good as we grow and mature in discipleship and faith.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, Your ways are not our ways, and Advent is a time where this becomes even clearer. Help us to grow into people who can wait on You, knowing Your timing will always be best. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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