Friday, November 30, 2012

Advent 2012

Cover of Advent Booklet


Advent a season of reflection and for many of us busyness, plays, and presents fill up our time. This season is also one in which the world pauses briefly to think about peace on earth and goodwill toward others. The name of Jesus is spoken more and we hear “Christ” floating in sung melodies. By the time December hits, shops and stores are buzzing with pre-Christmas excitement. But imagine the anticipation of Israel.

Imagine—they had been promised a saviour, a messiah, for as long as they could remember. Imagine what it must have been like to wait and wait and wait and wait...far longer than any  advent season has ever been.

And then, born in a stable, the promised morning star.

This Advent devotional focuses on Jesus Christ, our fulfilment. He fulfils the law on our behalf. He fulfils our desperate need to be connected to our Creator. He fulfils the hopes and fears of all the years. Jesus is the Saviour, Deliverer and Redeemer. He is God in flesh.

This booklet of devotions is designed to encourage you in your pattern of private or family worship or to help you establish a pattern if you don’t already have one. There is a daily scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer that I hope might help to deepen your relationship with God.

May our hearts this Christmas see more clearly the riches that have been lavished on us in Christ, and may we share this great and inexpressible joy with our families, friends, and neighbours.

Glory to God in the highest!