Advent 2017€¦ · Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are...

Advent 2017Advent 2017

Table of ContentsIntroduction Simple Entrances Simple Schedules Simple (Messy) Stories Simple Voices Simple Responces Simple Conversations Simple Obedience Simple Celebrations Simple Invitations Simple Faith Simple Discoveries Simple Priorities Simple Focus Simple Steps Simple Belief Simple Acceptance Simple Joy Simple Love Simple Hope Simple Anticipation Simple Circumstances Simple Trust Simple Miracles Simple Reflection Simple Outlook Simple Intention Simple Sharing Simple Presence Simple Extravagance Conclusion

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Introduction

Grand gestures, professionally shot engagement videos, choreographed flash mobs, all permeate current societal trends. While there is nothing wrong with over-the-top expressions of love, a subtle lie seems to have pervaded our culture: large public gestures equate with a grander love.

When Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago, the world was receiving the first chapter (after a pretty epic prologue) of the greatest love story ever told—the one movies, books and inward desires emulate and crave. The craziest thing? The reality of Jesus’ birth proved less like extravagant fanfare and earthly symphonies and more like the classic song sung every year, “Silent Night, Holy Night...”

Silent.

Where is the choreographed dance of angels for the birth of the Savior? Why is there no big party for the One True King breathing His first?

Mary and Joseph were not lavished in praise and excitement as they brought God’s Son into the world. They were turned away, rejected and likely tempted to doubt the importance of the very event an angel had foretold to them.

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God shows time and time again that His love is grand, yet not in a way that paints a picture of shiny rainbows and easy living. God’s love is expressed in the everyday mess. God’s love lay manifest as a helpless baby, born of an unwed teenager, surrounded by a town that cares nothing for His birth. Wow.

This Advent season, join us in recapturing the power of God’s love. Not for its quotable and “feel good” narrative, but for the simple and grand truth that God meets us where we are. God meets us in our failures, our triumphs, our addictions, our good days and our bad, saying,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10).

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Sunday, December 3

Simple Entrances

“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear

you a son, & you are to call him John. He will be a joy & delight to you, & many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord…’” Luke 1: 13-15

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

Have you heard the stories about weddings or parties where the hosts made a grand entrance? One that draws attention with a big to-do and wows the guests? Before Jesus was even foretold to Mary there was another baby that would make a “grand entrance.” The birth of John the Baptist—who would prepare the way for the Savior—was really just another baby being born to a woman who had struggled with fertility. Yet to any woman who has desired, but been unable to bear children, there is no entrance grander than a little one whom you’ve longed for and prayed for. Sitting with the reality of a barren woman finally meeting her own flesh and blood, that simple birth, actually seems quite grand.

Whether it’s the entrance of a new child, new relationship or new season of life, what simple entrance is God calling your attention to today?

Monday, December 4

Simple Schedules

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me & I in you, you will bear

much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’” John 15:4-5

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one & love the other, or you will be devoted to the one & despise

the other. You cannot serve both God & money.” Matthew 6:24

For an incredibly accurate—and often convicting—outward expression of how we’re doing spiritually, consider your personal or family calendar. Think about it. The color-coded activities, bills to pay, friends to see, and trips to take, fill the little boxes of our lives. They show us in bold ways where we invest our time, money, and energy. How many days on your calendar are blank, set-aside times for God to have your silence and heart’s attention? Our schedules are often just pieces of paper that we tear off as time moves forward, yet these simple scribbles on cardstock may actually illustrate the current conditions of our hearts.

Take a look at your calendar today. What does it say about where you invest your time, money and energy? Spend some time with Jesus and ask Him if there’s anything you may need to add or take away.

Tuesday, December 5

Simple (Messy) Stories

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive & give birth to a son, & you are to call him Jesus. He will be great & will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, & he will reign over Jacob’s

descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they

comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

God’s plans often don’t look like what we envisioned for ourselves. We ask Him to be present in a relationship that ends in a breakup. We seek personal gain and He lovingly humbles us. The Jews awaited a king that would make an impressive entrance, keep them safe, and make them prosperous. God’s plan for the redemption of the world, played out in a messy string of events that likely made many feel like He had messed up the story. An angel foretells the birth of a child, out of wedlock, that would disgrace Mary and Joseph in the culture in which they lived. This young couple waded through the tension, and trusted that God was orchestrating something beautiful in the midst of it all. Messy… and yet completely planned and ordained by God.

What simple stories of mess and hardship have you seen God work through in your life? Will you take some time to remember how He’s guided you and thank Him for His faithfulness?

Wednesday, December 6

Simple Voices

“… Then a great & powerful wind tore the mountains apart & shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake,

but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face & went out & stood at

the mouth of the cave…” 1 Kings 19:11-13

This verse in 1 Kings is the one often referenced concerning God’s “still small voice” or “gentle whisper.” Confronted by dramatic storms and fire, Elijah responds to the gentle whisper that calls him and begins a dialogue with the Lord. There are many ways to hear from God. He speaks through His Word, prayer, people, sometimes even whispers. The big booming voice that tells us exactly where to go next is not the standard or the norm for God speaking into our lives. The reality? Like this passage points out, if the Lord is not in it, it doesn’t matter the size of the voice… the noise is empty.

Ask God to open your eyes this week to how He is speaking to you. It may be through a conversation with a repair man when your car breaks down or when you’re sitting still and breathing slow. Write down how He shared His heart with you today or this week.

Thursday, December 7

Simple Responses

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, & Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a

loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, & blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” Luke 1:41-43

There is power in simple responses of excitement or love. A great example is Elizabeth’s response to Mary. The two women, both pregnant, were visiting. Elizabeth has just been told she will finally bear a child in her old age (a miracle!). Then, young Mary enters the scene with a pregnancy that presents every opportunity to surpass the excitement, or at least attention, of Elizabeth’s own miraculous conception. The reality of this moment is ripe for jealousy to take root. Consider how easily a young mother’s pregnancy announcement today could cause envy. That makes Elizabeth’s response an even more beautiful example. Elizabeth embraces the opportunity through the help of the Holy Spirit to show a grand love in a simple response of excitement and blessing. Mary might have walked in weary and scared, but the loving outpour of a wiser relative created a space where the Spirit of God encourages and blesses her.

What simple responses have had a major impact in your life? How can you respond in love to those around you who may need it most?

Friday, December 8

Simple Conversations

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm

then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your

feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,

with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the

Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17

Words are powerful. They possess the ability to wound and heal very deep places within each of us. Certain conversations take root in us, for better or worse, and impact who we are and how we live. This may sound intense, but if we sit and think through events in our lives, conversations will emerge that we cannot forget. God’s Word, described as the sword of the Spirit in this passage, illustrates the strength of God’s speech to help us stand our ground when evil comes. The battle imagery allows us to see faith, righteousness and the gospel for what they are—tools used to glorify God, affect change, and shed light on dark, hurting places in our lives. Will your words share the love of God and be used as tools for good?

Who is God asking you to have a simple conversation with this week? Will you ask Him to give you the words He wants to share with that person?

Saturday, December 9

Simple Obedience

“On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, & they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up & said, ‘No! He is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘There is no one among your relatives who has that name.’ Then they made signs to his father, to find out

what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, & to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Immediately his mouth was opened & his tongue set

free, & he began to speak, praising God.” Luke 1:59-64

Culture and traditions are beautiful. They provide a richness that contributes to incredible art, stories, and expands our understanding of people. However, culture and traditions can also hold too much weight if we let them. Consider today’s text. Tradition dictated that Zechariah would give his newborn child a family name, a tradition still practiced in many cultures today. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s family seem confused. “John” wasn’t a handed-down family name. No doubt Elizabeth and Zechariah got an earful of questions and comments. The very moment after Zechariah wrote, “His name is John,” his voice returned. The young couple’s simple act of obedience to lay aside cultural norms and pick up the words God spoke to them showed a faithfulness pleasing to God.

Is there a simple act of obedience God is calling you to today? Is there maybe a cultural norm or tradition that God might be asking you to lay at His feet and give Him authority over?

Sunday, December 10

Simple Celebrations

“‘Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths & lying in a manger.’… So they hurried off & found Mary & Joseph, & the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, & all who heard it were amazed at what

the shepherds said to them… The shepherds returned, glorifying & praising God for all the things they had heard & seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:11-20

When reading the story of Jesus’ birth, many tend to focus on the grand entrances—like when angels foretell what’s coming to Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, the wise men. These are incredible moments of prophecy; however, their fulfillment came about in ordinary ways. The shepherds praised God after laying eyes on a baby. A drooling, crying infant. This is how God’s prophecy came to fruition—through the life of a defenseless child? This everyday event could easily go unnoticed without close attention to God’s words and promptings. Jesus’ birth is a story often told with grandeur, because we know He deserves it. However, Jesus’ birth was humble. And those gathering to see, celebrated the infant crying in a manger saying, “Thank you God, the baby is here just as you told us he he would be.”

What seemingly simple moments is God asking for you to acknowledge and celebrate?

Monday, December 11

Simple Invitations

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive & give birth to a son, & they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”

Matthew 1:22-23

“The Word became flesh & made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one & only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace & truth.” John 1:14

Have you or anyone you know ever dealt with something incredibly difficult like grief, mental illness, rejection? The stories are very familiar, individuals navigating the crippling inner and outer turmoil of pain and hardship. As a friend to someone who’s suffering, there is often no quick fix to employ. Many times, in journeying with someone through the ups and downs of what they’re dealing with, we are simply called to love by being with them. Void of advice or healing remedies, we sit with them in the mire and mess and show them our love through our presence. God expresses this heart for each of us—his children, his friends—to simply embrace that He is a God with us. He sits in the untidiness, and He loves us through His presence.

What is a simple invitation God is asking you to extend or accept this week?

Tuesday, December 12

Simple Faith

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child & his mother & escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for

Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’” Matthew 2:13

Being the Savior of the world did not spare Jesus or his earthly parents from hard times. Quite the contrary. When Jesus was still a newborn, his life was being sought by a man of power. Mary and Joseph now hold in their arms the child promised to them by God, but day-by-day the story is getting messier, and often scarier. They are forced to flee for their lives from a political leader who wants their child dead. Having the Bible, old and new testaments, it’s easy to forget the fear and doubt Mary and Joseph may have felt. They didn’t know how the situation would turn out. They were living it. What might you do in that moment? The simple act of faith Joseph and Mary show in saying yes to flee all that they’ve known is incredible.

What simple—yet potentially challenging—act of faith is God asking you to make?


Simple Discoveries

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous & devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, & the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms & praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you

may now dismiss your servant in peace.’” Luke 2:25-29

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband

seven years after her marriage, & then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night & day, fasting & praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God & spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38

At Forge, we have a saying that Prayer is the Work. This provides an often needed reminder that we’re called to consistently communicate with God. He takes our hearts and prayers seriously and truly hears us when we speak with Him (1 John 5:14). Simple everyday prayers seem to have been a part of Simeon and Anna’s daily life and agenda. Quiet times alone with God where they cultivated a familiarity with His voice. These consistent moments of communion with God, where He shared His heart and plans, makes the moment they meet Jesus a sweet recognition of all they’d been told. Like a confidant whispering in their ear, God says, “This is it, this is the One I’ve been telling you about.” A grand culmination of quiet conversations.

What simple discovery is God sharing with you in your time with Him?


Simple Priorities

“And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, & your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, & these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased

to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:29-32

“… make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business & work with your hands, just as

we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders & so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Our hearts and minds are continually pulled in many, often conflicting, directions. We’re called to work hard and be self-sustaining as the Lord wills, however we’re to always remain dependent on God. He gives us the ability to care for ourselves in many earthly ways, yet we should never be deceived into thinking we have ultimate control of our lives. Only through dependence on God can we have what’s essential. We are called to seek His Kingdom above our own worries. As it says in Luke, God knows our needs—He knows them better than we do—so we can breathe easy in the simple priority of seeking Jesus and His Kingdom. God will tell us where to go from there.

Have you been seeking earthly comfort or seeking out the Kingdom for your needs? Spend 10 minutes talking to Jesus about the Kingdom, and asking where He’d like to set your heart.

Friday, December 15

Simple Focus

“...Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him & asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?

Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried & upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is

better, & it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42

The passage about Mary and Martha is possibly one of the most insightful yet potentially frustrating biblical guidelines God gives us for priorities and focus. The frustration comes into play with Martha. She’s doing good things, yet she is not doing what focuses most on Jesus. To put this moment in perspective, if Martha stops what she is doing, they might not have food to eat or a set table for dining. Hosting any party or event comes with pressure—to perform, to set the table beautifully, to create an experience. Add to it an important guest like Jesus, and the hosting pressure soars. Yet, Jesus looks at the worn-out planner Martha. Gaining her attention through her frazzled state by repeating her name, Jesus verbalizes what she is missing. The only thing I need, Martha, is your presence and heart. The rest will take care of itself. How can you adjust your focus to Jesus in small ways this week? Maybe turn off the radio and pray in your car, or stop in the middle of worrying to ask Jesus to be your focus. Let Him direct you!


Simple Steps

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24

“This is the account of Noah & his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, & he walked faithfully with God.” Genesis 6:9

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all

his work.” Genesis 2:2

When it comes to your life, do you feel like you are walking or running through each day? Most of us would likely feel more in line with the stressed out run that is busyness, commitments, success—a pace that ultimately leads to burn out. God does not applaud busyness, especially if it causes us to miss the small and impactful moments along the way. In God’s description of Old Testament figures like Enoch and Noah, there’s a beauty in the simplicity of how He chooses to describe the nature of their lives… They walked with God. It’s no accident that God’s choice of words here illustrates a slower, methodical pace in life. Just as He taught us to rest after our work, He shows us time and again the importance of taking simple, small steps. Our lives are difficult to actively engage in if we’re too busy running through everyday moments.

How is God asking you to slow down this week? What simple step is He calling you to?

Sunday, December 17

Simple Belief

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, & they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh & bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said,

‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out

of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’” Exodus 3:11-12

God wants to use us. It’s sometimes hard to believe, but it’s true. Look no further than those in the Bible. Moses doubted at first that God could use him to lead the Israelites. Gideon initially struggled to see himself as the warrior God called him to be (Judges 6:15). Mary, however—after being told she would carry the Son of God as a virgin—reacts simply, but immediately with belief. “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” By trusting that God is able, let us be reminded that its not about us or our abilities but about God going with us, to accomplish His purposes in His strength.

Do you believe that God is with you and that that is enough? If not, ask God to help with your unbelief (Mark 9:24).

Monday, December 18

Simple Acceptance

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah & his brothers, Judah the father of Perez & Zerah, whose mother

was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father

of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father

of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, & Jesse the father of King David.” Matthew 1:1-6

Holidays have a way of reminding us of either the presence or absence of family. Those who are without or distant from family often long for them to be near. On the other hand, those with relatives present get a magnified view of the good, bad, and ugly that the holidays bring out in people. Do you ever feel that your family life (or lack thereof) dictates the kind of person you will be and there’s simply nothing that can change that? If so, rest in the reminder of Jesus’ family tree. The God of the Universe sent His Son to earth and gave Him a scandalous lineage including murderers, adulterers, prostitutes and more. God could have chosen any family line to give His only precious Son, yet what He gave was both difficult and relatable. Jesus knows what it’s like to come from a line of people both godly and infamous, and He reminds us that we too are not confined to our murky family trees. There’s hope in being children of God.

Have you been letting your life circumstances dictate how God can use you? What is He calling you to embrace about your identity?


Simple Joy

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, & sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary & lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith...

Though you have not seen him, you love him; & even though you do not see him now, you believe in him & are filled with an inexpressible & glorious joy, for you are receiving the end

result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9

Joy’s roots run deep. Deeper than fleeting feelings of happiness or the response dictated by life’s circumstances. Joy is deep contentment in an unwavering faith in God and His promises. God is faithful, present, powerful and perfect to name just a few of His traits. Jesus knew real joy. He faced the cross because of the future joy He saw before Him. He remained faithful so that our joy would be in Him. As Hebrews reminds us, may we consider Christ and the hostility He faced, so that we may not grow weary and lose heart. A God who scorns shame, overrules death, and secures our futures is faithful. And He is our unwavering source of joy.

Where are you finding your joy? Take some time to think about who God is and all that He has done for you. Perhaps write down ways that God has shown up for you this season. Praise Him for the joy He gives.


Simple Love

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy & dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,

gentleness & patience. Bear with each other & forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14

Have you ever been in a hurry? Driven a little faster to get somewhere on time, sped through the grocery store check out? Ignored the retail worker because you don’t have time to chat? Maybe you’ve been there. But what if real ministry happens—not in a church building—but in these in-between moments of life?

Jesus was born of flesh, lowering Himself and living kindly amidst those He helped create and who scorned Him. Yet, even His grand love was often expressed in the simplest of ways. He fed the people, He allowed an unclean woman to touch His robe without rebuking her, He wept with people, He simply stopped to see and spend time with those along the way. God calls us as His followers to clothe ourselves with virtues of kindness, compassion and humility, and He reminds us that “over all these virtues [we are to] put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

How can you love someone who may be difficult to love this week? Ask God how to love them as He loves.


Simple Hope

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath… We have this hope as an anchor

for the soul, firm & secure.” Hebrews 6:17-19

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

There is surely a future hope for you, & your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:17-18

Hope doesn’t always feel simple. We hear of clinging to hope amidst pain and suffering. We’re told of a future hope, a beautiful reminder, but one that often leaves us swirling and feeling lost in the middle of conflict. The image of an anchor in Hebrews 6 is so purposeful and graphic. Think for a minute about an anchor. The importance of this weight tied to rope, it never wavers. On the calm days it keeps you planted while you fish and chat with friends. During storms its steadiness is resolute as the boat sways but stays. We think of hope so much in times of trial, because the rope and the weight is being tested, proven true. Yet, the anchor of hope is just as powerfully present in the calm ocean waves. May we be reminded today that our hope is simply in the One True God, our constant—amid both the chaos and the calm.

Are the waves of your life calm or choppy right now? Where does your hope rest?

Friday, December 22

Simple Anticipation

“The Word became flesh & made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who

came from the Father, full of grace & truth.” John 1:14

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on

him—the Spirit of wisdom & of understanding, the Spirit of counsel & of might, the Spirit of the knowledge & fear of the Lord—& he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:1-3

The latin word for Advent is adventus, meaning “coming.” Advent is a season to recognize and celebrate all the ways Christ, our Savior, comes to us—past, present, and future. Have you ever anticipated an upcoming event, even something as simple as a friend coming to visit from across town? Simple moments of anticipation find us with wide eyes and beating hearts. We get excited for what’s to come—even when what’s coming seems uneventful. How much more can we delight, wide-eyed with hearts beating, in Jesus’ birth, His continued presence, and His promise to return? Christ’s coming is a grand act of love and mercy, one that does not become stagnant after His earthly ministry. God is present with us throughout our days. Today, let’s embrace the simple moments of holding our breath, as we experience Christ being born, Christ’s continual presence with us, and the anticipation of Christ’s future coming.

Are you recognizing the presence of God this season? Are you basking in how Christ comes to you—past, present, and future?


Simple Circumstances

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world... And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up

from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David...” Luke 2:1-4

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one

who will be ruler over Israel...” Micah 5:2

Mary ventured with Joseph back to his hometown under the most ordinary of circumstances, a census! Just as students nowadays travel home (or mail-in ballots) to vote, so too did Joseph and Mary. Perhaps to their annoyance (after all, Mary is very pregnant), they return to Bethlehem. They arrive most likely in a chaotic scramble of travelers all returning home to register. “Sorry, no room” they’re told time and again, denied entrance to the inns from sheer overflow of returning locals. Mary and Joseph followed the request of the government to return home, register, and found that she was going to give birth while there. In the busyness of all the hubbub, who would have ever guessed they were fulfilling the prophesy given through Micah. How easy it would have been to completely miss that God, using very ordinary circumstances, was fulfilling His word written nearly 700 years prior!

Are there simple circumstances you write off as coincidence when God is truly at work? Pray and take a short inventory of moments in your life when God was at work beyond what you could see.

Sunday, December 24

Simple Trust

“He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him & was expecting a child. While they were

there, the time came for the baby to be born, & she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths &

placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:5-7

Trusting is not simple or easy, especially when it requires trusting amid very trying circumstances. As Mary and Joseph ventured back to Bethlehem to register for the census, they were denied the setting most would choose to tell the birth story worthy of a king. Picture it. Mary is told she will give birth to the Savior. They follow government orders and return home—only to arrive in Bethlehem with no place to give birth.

While Mary certainly earns the title of a woman of great faith, the likelihood she envisioned giving birth to God’s Son in a manger (or cave) is slim. What trust in God she and Joseph showed as they navigated giving birth without accommodation or comfort! May we trust in God when the vision of our answered prayers plays out differently—especially when it’s harder than we imagined or expected. God’s plan is perfect even when it looks and feels imperfect. Jesus’ birth is the ultimate example. What situations do you need to trust God in right now? Are you allowing Him to work out His will in His ways or are you trying to control how it looks?

Monday, December 25

Simple Miracles

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths & lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12

Christmastime often paints beautiful images in our minds. A pristine manger with animals framing an angelic baby Jesus in the center of the picture. Is it possible that the profound nature of Jesus’ birth has caused us to romanticize these historic events? If transported back in time, the scene we’d most likely witness is the stressful, chaotic and messy reality of birth—with no comforts or familiarity nearby.

As many parents would likely confess, the birth of their children is miraculous and beautiful. They also would tell you that babies don’t come out looking like they do in the movies. There’s blood, and pain, and mess. Jesus did not embody the king that the Jews envisioned to rule over Israel. He was a suffering servant, born humbly amid the ordinary chaos of life around Him. Since the beginning, God intertwines seemingly contradictive things: the meek and the bold, the powerful and the weak… the ordinary and the miraculous. What a beautiful and relatable story that our Savior should be born in the humblest and most phenomenal way. Praise God, Christ is born!

Spend today celebrating our Savior who has come—the One who entered our mess that we might have life to the fullest measure!


Simple Reflection

“It is good to praise the Lord & make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning & your

faithfulness at night…” Psalm 92:1-2

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be

thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach & admonish one another with all wisdom

through psalms, hymns, & songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17

Yesterday, we celebrated the birth of our Savior—God in flesh, Savior of the world. While we continue to walk in daily rhythm with God and await His future coming, let’s reflect on the reality that Christ came into the world. He lived simply yet with life-altering impact. He was, is, and will be the convergence of grand and simple. A beautiful union of truths exemplified by the God we serve!

Where have you found simple and grand converging? Write it down then pray through a thankfulness prayer to God!


Simple Outlook

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us & his love is made complete in us. This is

how we know that we live in him & he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen & testify that the Father

has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in

them & they in God. And so we know & rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, &

God in them.” 1 John 4:12-16

God’s love changes our perspective. Through His eyes, mundane and ordinary things become extraordinary and eternal. The craziest part? This radical love now resides in God’s people through His Spirit. His love is made complete in us. The Holy Spirit gives us eyes to see, and gives us a right perspective on life. Forget, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, try seeing it through the eyes of a God who loves His people enough to make His love complete in them, to be near to them, to mold and shape them. What an outlook!

Do you have a God-centered outlook on life right now? What might need to change to make your vision clearer?


Simple Intention

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

The new year brings with it all kinds of potential. Potential to make positive resolutions, to start fresh, to say goodbye to the negative. Yet all this “newness” can become overwhelming when we want to do it all but don’t know how. Goals are great, however when we’re determined to map out our own futures and miss what God has for us in the moment, then goal-setting and future planning can prove dangerous. The amazing thing? We don’t need to have all the answers. The God of the Universe does. Both a relieving and challenging part of faith is it is a moment-by-moment walk. God says, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Daily steps—not leaps, not jumps—daily steps guided by the Spirit that resides in God’s people.

How are you feeling at the approach of the new year? Would you set aside any resolutions you may have for a moment to prayerfully ask God just one step in the coming days He wants you to take?

Friday, December 29

Simple Sharing

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”

Luke 2:10

“After this I looked, & there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people & language, standing before the throne & before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes & were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, & to

the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

Have you ever been the bearer of good news? A new job, healed sickness, exciting new love? Sharing exciting moments like this is the best. You see firsthand the smile that lights up the face of another. You witness shoulders relax as burdens are tossed aside. We’re given the opportunity to be good news sharers every day. God tells believers to go and simply share with the people around them that they are loved beyond comprehension. Jesus came to earth, lived among us, and died for all. No longer do we have to let sin destroy us. His death and resurrection reunites us to God and His never-failing love. All so that we can have our sins taken care of and be reunited with the all-powerful God that knows us by name. God’s love never fails. Now that is good news.

Are you a good news sharer? How can you share the good news with someone in your life today?


Simple Presence

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of

the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm 139:7-10

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, & I will give you rest.’” Exodus 33:14

There is power in being present with people. Sometimes just sitting with someone navigating tough situations is enough for them to feel less alone in it all. God is present with us wherever we go, and through our lives His story is being told. Our lives whisper His name through mundane and miraculous moments. We’re not meant to keep the presence of God to ourselves, but to be lights of the living God to the hurting, the lonely, and the lost. He’s with us wherever we go, with whoever we’re with, in whatever we’re doing.

Who in your life needs to experience God’s presence today? How can you help others see the beauty of God amid the daily mess of life?

Sunday, December 31

Simple Extravagance

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children & walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us & gave

himself up for us as a fragrant offering & sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

God is good and His love is extravagant. Through Jesus, He’s given us an in-the-flesh example of His grand love. Be comforted that faith is often found in the simple expressions of your daily walk with Jesus. Grand gestures can be nice, but nothing compares to living in love daily. You are loved, believed in, and God sees you as a unique expression of His heart for the world. He holds you in His hands, and wants to write something simply grand with your life.

How will you take this idea of simple expressions of a grand Savior into the new year?

Conclusion

Thank you for walking with us through the simple and the miraculous story that is our Savior’s birth. May your journey to seek Jesus in the everyday places of life not end here. May your vision of God moving in simple ways in unexpected places grow clearer. May He give you the eyes to see that He is here, He is with you—past, present, future.

God’s presence may not appear like a well-polished movie reel, but it can be found in our breath, in a song, in a conversation, in the gentle whispers all around us. Our God is grand, yet He knows firsthand the world we are walking through, and often chooses to simply walk beside us through it all. Continue to enjoy the walk. Blessings friends.

Advent 2017€¦ · Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are...

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Transcript of Advent 2017€¦ · Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are...