Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Friday, December 23
By Barry Christmas
In Anticipation of Our Blessed Hope
Read: Titus 2:13 NKJV
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
I liken the season of Advent to waiting with childlike anticipation for the arrival of Christmas morning. We can hardly wait to see what gifts have been left under the tree! Prior to this day, there is excitement in the air and everyone is busy making preparations. It’s a time to tidy up the house and spend all day preparing a delicious feast for our guests.
But Advent is the season of preparing for the coming of Christ, not for that fictional jolly character from the North Pole. We need to be busy preparing ourselves for His arrival and for the unique spiritual gifts He has for each of us. It’s a time to “tidy up” by seeking forgiveness and preparing our hearts to be receptive to Jesus’ visit and to His message. He spreads out the feast before us and invites us to partake of His goodness and mercy. May we feast daily with the Savior and anticipate His presence during our time of studying His Word and praying for His guidance.
During the season of Advent, we not only look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also look forward in anticipation of the second coming of Christ to establish His kingdom on Earth. Oh what a time of peace, love and joy that will be for all of His children! He truly is our Blessed Hope.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, please come to us this Advent season and fill our hearts to overflowing with hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
