ADVENT 2020, Week four: When Heaven Comes Near
Sunday, December 20: The Sound Of Heaven
I Chronicles 16:7-36; Jude 25-25
What do you think heaven sounds like? I have a feeling it sounds like joy. Joy, I reckon, sounds like saints being welcomed home, seeing Jesus face to face for the first time. Perhaps it is the sound of angels rejoicing that a non-believer has come to faith, accompanied by songs of endless worship as the whole population of heaven rejoice around the throne. And the great news is we can bring heaven’s joy near every time we walk in faith and obedience to Jesus.
Monday, December 21: Heaven Help Us
Isaiah 61:1-3; Philippians 4:4
In this day where we see suffering and grief, anger and frustration around us, it is easy to get dragged down by the undertow of negativity and despair. Indeed, our lives will be touched by grief or suffering. There will be days when we will be tempted, tired, and tried. But Jesus’ presence in our lives brings a joy that helps keep us afloat above that dangerous undertow and empowers us to discover His joy in us in the midst of the storm.
Tuesday, December 22: Heavenly Joy Multiplied
Psalm 126:1-3; Luke 2:1-20
The joy of the Lord is too great to keep to ourselves. The nation of Israel sang their songs of joy, causing their neighbouring nations to declare, “The LORD has done great things for them.” Likewise, the shepherds could not keep their joyful visit to themselves. They spread the word and they spread the joy. Are you multiplying your joy? When the Lord does great things for you, do you share your story?
Wednesday, December 23: A Heavenly Transfer
Isaiah 35; John 15:9-11
Joy is a product of heaven, flowing from the very heart of God. In our scripture today, we discover the wonderful truth of the transferral of Jesus’ joy to us. He said, “...that MY joy may be in you and that YOUR joy may be complete.” It begins as His joy but then Jesus transfers the ownership of that joy to us. As grateful owners of this joy, let us allow it to overflow from our hearts this Advent season.
Thursday, December 24: Strength From Heaven
Nehemiah 8:1-10; I Peter 1:3-9
On this Christmas Eve, as we celebrate the first advent of the Saviour, we also look forward to His second coming and ultimately spending eternity with Him. What a joyful end that is in store for those who love Him. Until then, we journey on with His joy in our hearts for the joy of the Lord is our strength. May the celebration of His birth bring heaven near to your heart and to the lives of those around you. Amen.
Christmas Day: When Heaven Came Near
John 1:14
When Jesus Came to earth, heaven came near in the most powerful and unique way. The Messiah, spoken through the words of prophets for centuries, came wrapped in human flesh. Holiness took the form of humanity so He could feel our brokenness, carry our iniquities, and die our death. And now, heaven dwells within us by His Spirit. What a promise. What a comfort. What a gift!
Saturday, December 26: Great Expectation
Isaiah 43:18-19
Just as Advent is a season of expectation, we now live in expectation of a new year. As we all know, 2020 was full of surprises! However, nothing is a surprise to our God. May we begin now to pray in 2021 -- surprises and all -- and trust that in the midst of both the expected and the unexpected, we will be available and faithful to be a part of what God is doing.
