A Time for Hope - Advent Devotions 2019
Saturday, December 21 - Nancy Luley
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Two thousand and some years ago, God gave the world its first and greatest Christmas gift. He gave the world the gift of hope. God
did not wrap His gift in shiny paper and sparkly bows. Those would not be good enough for His gift. Instead, God packaged his gift in
the form of a newborn baby, part of His creation. This gift was a perfect gift, as this baby was God’s own son. The people to whom God gave this gift did not know the plans that God had for this this tiny infant. The angel appeared and announced, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.
Jesus grew and taught among the people. While he gathered many followers, including his 12 disciples, not everyone agreed with his teaching. And so it was that God’s plan for our salvation was carried out. As Isaiah prophesied, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. And so it was that God’s own son was hung on the cross and died for our sins. There was more to God’s plan, though. The gift of hope that began on Christmas day, was ultimately fulfilled on Easter with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, bringing us salvation and eternal life when Christ comes back to join us on the final day of resurrection.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of hope that you have given to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to use this season of Advent to reflect on this gift and remember the true reason why we celebrate Christmas. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Two thousand and some years ago, God gave the world its first and greatest Christmas gift. He gave the world the gift of hope. God
did not wrap His gift in shiny paper and sparkly bows. Those would not be good enough for His gift. Instead, God packaged his gift in
the form of a newborn baby, part of His creation. This gift was a perfect gift, as this baby was God’s own son. The people to whom God gave this gift did not know the plans that God had for this this tiny infant. The angel appeared and announced, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.
Jesus grew and taught among the people. While he gathered many followers, including his 12 disciples, not everyone agreed with his teaching. And so it was that God’s plan for our salvation was carried out. As Isaiah prophesied, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. And so it was that God’s own son was hung on the cross and died for our sins. There was more to God’s plan, though. The gift of hope that began on Christmas day, was ultimately fulfilled on Easter with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, bringing us salvation and eternal life when Christ comes back to join us on the final day of resurrection.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of hope that you have given to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to use this season of Advent to reflect on this gift and remember the true reason why we celebrate Christmas. Amen.