ADVENT 2020, Week One: When Heaven Comes Near
Sunday, November 29: Heavenly Hope
Genesis 1:3-4; John 1:4-5
It was not by chance that the first thing God brought to a dark, formless canvas of creation was light. Like a master painter with the skillful stroke of his brush, God spoke with cosmic resonance: “Let there be light...” And from there, a beautiful portrait of Holiness embracing humanity began to take form. God began with light which continues to shine undiminished through His only begotten, Jesus Christ. Through this truth we know that when this world seems darkest, Heaven has never been nearer. Welcome, friends, to Advent.
Monday, November 30: Heaven Never Gives Up
Genesis 3:1-13; Romans 5:6-8
It did not take long for the beauty of God’s creation to be sullied by sin. However, even humanity’s disobedience could not shut out Heaven. Yahweh came looking. And when Adam and Eve hid, Yahweh called out for them. Even at our worst, our Heavenly Father lovingly and relentlessly pursues us; seeking to reconcile and restore. When Jesus came to earth, He came looking and calling our name proclaiming: “Heaven has not given up on you.”
Tuesday, December 1: Heaven Knows
Exodus 3:1-10; John 3:16
Have you ever been lost, trapped, or in trouble and it seemed like your pleas for help were echoing into an endless vacuum? The Israelites shared that same experience of hopelessness. Yet, as hopeless as it seemed, Heaven knew. The hope of Advent is found in the fact that Heaven knows who you are, where you are, and what you may be going through. And best of all, Jesus has come to be present and deliver us.
Wednesday, December 2: Heaven Leads the Way
Exodus 13:17-22; Hebrews 12:1-3
When the people of God needed direction, God used elements from the heavens to lead them -- a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night which never left their place in front of the people. There are many sources today offering their version of truth and direction. However, true hope is only found when we “fix” our eyes on Jesus. Wherever we go, He is already there and always will be.
Thursday, December 3: Heaven’s Family Tree
Joshua 2:1-21; Romans 8:28
For many, hope can be hampered when they are judged by where or who they came from. However, one look at Jesus’ family tree reminds us that God uses people from all walks of life to accomplish His purpose. Rahab, a part of Jesus’ lineage, was a prostitute yet she hid two spies from Joshua’s army, protecting them from the king of Jericho. Because of her obedience, they told her she and her family would be spared from Jericho’s destruction and to tie a scarlet rope from her window. That scarlet rope - a foreshadowing of the blood of Jesus - still gives hope to all who follow God’s Word.
Friday, December 4: Heavenly Light
Psalm 8; Matthew 2:9-10
Almost since the beginning of time, stars have been beacons of hope and direction. For those travelling by land or sea, they have served as instruments of navigation; for astronomers, they have been objects of thrilling discovery. For the wisemen, it was a joyful sign that a King had been born. Considering that the light of that star took years upon years to reach earth, it speaks to the reality that the hope of Jesus exists -- even when we do not yet see it.
Saturday, December 5: Heaven Hears
II Chronicles 7:11-18; Luke 2:25-32
God has always answered when people earnestly called upon Him. However, as one person wisely put it: “Sometimes God says ‘no’; sometimes He says ‘slow’; other times He may say ‘grow’; and then He may say ‘go’.” His answer may not be the answer we hope for but His answer will always lead us to hope. Make no mistake -- heaven is near and heaven hears.
