Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!
December 12! Day 12!
After attending Sarah's game of soccer with her coworkers, we were quite exhausted, but still wanting to finish the day off with the Word :-)
Our reading came from Luke 2:8-14. "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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.'" (v. 10-14)
I love how the angels play a vital role in God's story. We notice them littered throughout Scripture, performing many different services for the Lord. Imagine them all in complete excitement when they announced this good news! The Son of God was coming to Earth! Jesus was coming on His rescue mission for us, and the angels were the first ones to announce it! "It is here! It is here! they all shouted. The time has come! The greatest thing ever is happening right now!
Here an angel in particular is the first herald of good news. Good news of great joy that will be for all people (v. 8). Then suddenly thousands of angels appear singing aloud, "Glory to God! Glory to God! What a sound, what a symphony of voices that must have been! What a spectacle for these shepherds to experience. A concert to top all concerts!
Sarah and I were both struck with the end of their message. Peace among those with whom He is pleased (v. 14). The mission of Jesus was to seek and save the lost, and to bring sinners back into relationship with God. He brought peace which passes all comprehension, the peace that comes from a reconciled relationship with God.
Without Jesus I would have no hope, completely torn from God because of my sin. I would not have peace either, knowing that something was missing. Jesus came to change all of that! Through his life, death and resurrection, He conquered sin and brought back together what was torn apart. He has brought peace into this world, He has brought peace between me and God. This is the greatest news ever, and this is why the angels had so much to sing about!
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
No comments:
Post a Comment