Ignoring?

Christmas Eve -- The 4th Sunday in Advent

Thus says the Lord: But look at you! I have gone to a lot of trouble to get your attention, and you’ve ignored me. ~ Jeremiah 35:14b (MSG)

In the past, God spoke through the prophets to our ancestors in many times and many ways. In these final days, though, he spoke to us through a Son. ~ Hebrews 1:1-2a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God keeps speaking to us -- even sending his own Son to speak -- but we keep ignoring him.

PRAYER:

Gracious God, as we again prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Son you sent to live and die among us, we are troubled by how easy it is to ignore him. There are so many distractions -- especially during the holiday season -- that we don't notice the reason for the season. Speak to us again so that we might continue to know Jesus and hear -- really hear -- what he is saying to us. I'm going to focus on listening to what Jesus has to say. Amen.

Reliable

I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done everything that I have promised you.” ~ Genesis 28:15 (CEB)

In addition, we have a most reliable prophetic word, and you would do well to pay attention to it, just as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ~ 2 Peter 1:19 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord keeps his promise to send a Savior.

PRAYER:

At least someone keeps his word. Thank you, Lord, for being that someone. I too often get into a dark place and start to worry about who is going to protect me -- who will take care of the future. Keep reminding me of your word and your faithfulness. I know that the light of Christ will shine more and more in my heart -- and through my life. Amen.

Act on his instructions

Rebelling against or turning our backs on God is the last thing on our minds right now. ~ Joshua 22:29a (MSG)

They said to each other,

“Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. ~ Luke 24:32-33a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God is looking for people with responsive hearts -- those who will act on his instructions.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful for your directions and your presence in my life. I'm not nearly as responsive as I should be. I'm a little slow to put things into action. Please continue with your patient lesson in my life. I'm going to grow in my responsiveness. Amen!

The Messiah present

Lord, I wait for your saving help. I do what you’ve commanded. ~ Psalm 119:166 (CEB)

The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Simeon took (the baby) Jesus in his arms and praised God. ~ Luke 2:26-27a, 28a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord Jesus is our promised salvation.

PRAYER:

Lord, as we again prepare to celebrate your presence in human flesh we thank you for your faithfulness. As promised you have come to save us. I need saving because I have my own agenda for my life and I don't always do what you command. But Christmas is changing that. As I savor the wonder of your incarnation things are changing in me. Glory to God in the highest. Amen.