ADVENT 2020, Week Three: When Heaven Comes Near
Sunday, December 13: Heaven’s Greatest Reason
Lamentations 3:22-26; I John 4:9-10
As we think about God’s plan of salvation in this third week of Advent, we may be tempted to ask the question, “Why?” Heaven’s greatest reason can be summed up in one word: Love. And as the scriptures declare, love isn’t something God does, it is what He is. God is love and that love came to us in the person of Jesus Christ. May this season remind us all that we are loved and that is heaven’s greatest reason.
Monday, December 14: Heaven Goes First
Psalm 116:1-9; I John 4:19
God loved us before we even knew what love was. Much like a mother who is expecting a child is loving, caring for, and nurturing that baby in her womb before that baby is ever able to offer any expression of love in return, God , in Christ Jesus, was loving us. Then, when we were born again and we experienced His love for the first time, we were able to love Him in return. When it comes to love, heaven always goes first.
Tuesday, December 15: Heaven’s Warranty
Jeremiah 31:1-6; Ephesians 2:1-5
Have you ever noticed that warranties, no matter how good they may be, have some limitations? That is because nothing in this world, no matter how high quality it may be, lasts forever. However, God, who is eternal, loves us with no conditions; no time limits. When heaven came near that night in Bethlehem, Jesus brought to us heaven’s love and life eternally.
Wednesday, December 16: Heaven’s Makeover
Ezekiel 37:1-14; II Corinthians 5:17
Max Lucado once said: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus. ” Just as the love of God is unconditional, it is also unrelenting in restoring us to be who He created us to be. So, He sent his Son, a carpenter no less, who could not only construct physical things but also our spiritual lives.
Thursday, December 17: Heaven’s Fearless Perfection
Psalm 103; I John 4:15-18
Fear comes naturally to us all. It can protect us, yet unfortunately, it can also paralyze us needlessly and hold us captive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus came to earth with heaven’s perfect love to drive out the fear that paralyzes us spiritually. We need not fear judgement when we are living for and loving Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Phillips Brooks said it well, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”
Friday, December 18: A Taste of Heaven
Psalm 133; Romans 12:9-21
Christmas time brings with it many palatable delights. Many of them we may describe as being a “taste of heaven.” However, what sugar and spice does for our taste buds, love does for the soul. How can we give our world a taste of heaven? By loving one another as Christ has loved us. That is how God has chosen to change the world.
Saturday, December 19: Heaven’s Real Deal
Isaiah 58:1-7; I Corinthians 13:1-8a
Sadly, there are many things we can do in the name of Jesus that look great from outward appearances but can be completely devoid of love. Thus, making our words like a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal,” or our actions like a charade. The good news is when we choose the way of love, the beauty and reality of heaven shines through our every word and deed. This Advent, let us choose the way of love.
