December 1, 2022
Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
As noted on Monday, we entered the season of Advent on November 27. Among its offerings to us, Advent is a time during which we prepare ourselves more fully to encounter Jesus anew.
This Holy Season we each have an opportunity to become the person we’re meant to be; the person God wants us to be and Jesus calls us to be; the person ready to kneel at the manger of the Babe of Bethlehem.
- Some of us need renewal in the level of our spiritual discipline; we don’t spend near enough personal time with God.
- Some of us need renewal in our commitment to Christ’s work in the world; we don’t commit enough of ourselves beyond ourselves.
- Some of us need renewal in our spirit of giving; we are not nearly as generous with our resources as God needs and expects us to be.
- Some of us need renewal in our attitudes about others.
- Some of us need renewal in our level of hope amidst life’s current great challenges.
Whether this list encompasses the part of you needing renewal or not, there is, with each of us, some area where we do; some area where we need to seek God’s help in changing and growing!
Now, obviously, the first step in Advent really being for us a time of renewal is our willingness to acknowledge where exactly in our spiritual journey we really do need both honest confession and sincere recommitment. It’s one thing to go through the rituals of these holy seasons and another thing altogether to open ourselves to God’s penetrating presence and God’s empowering Spirit. In other words, how intentional are we in truly seeking to come out on the other side of Advent as changed persons?
As we contemplate the birth, life, and teachings of Jesus this Holy Season, hopefully we each want our lives to more faithfully honor him and please him!
