ACCESS

The First Sunday of Advent

JEREMIAH 31:34 (MSG)
   They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow.

MATTHEW 21:15-16 (GNT)
   The chief priests and the teachers of the Law became angry when they saw the wonderful things he was doing and the children shouting in the Temple, “Praise to David's Son!” So they asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?”
   “Indeed I do,” answered Jesus. “Haven't you ever read this scripture? ‘You have trained children and babies to offer perfect praise.’”

THE ESSENCE
As Jesus reveals God's presence, even the simple, uneducated, and childlike have access to him, and insightful relationships with him. 

DAILY FODDER
Today is the first day in the season of Advent, when the focus is on preparation for the coming of Jesus — first as the God-in-the-flesh baby, and soon, his second coming to establish his kingdom as the global regime. In all of this coming he reveals himself as the relational God, who comes into our lives, delivering unprecedented access to the divine. 

PRAYER
God, you know our prayers before we even breathe them. Though you know my words help me to say them anyway, for I need to hear them. Thank you for declaring that infants and babies can know you just as much as scholars and priests. You were there for our first prayer and will be there for our last. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

PRESENCE

PSALM 84:10 (GNT)
One day spent in your Temple
is better than a thousand anywhere else...

LUKE 2:49 (CEB)
Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”

THE ESSENCE
A healthy relationship with God is characterized by time in his presence.  

DAILY FODDER
How do you regularly seek out God's presence? Does it involve a time, place, group of people, solitude, or a devotional practice that raises your ongoing awareness that he is present?  

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm amazed at the way you are constatly seeking us out. You want to be with us, even though we are at best indifferent to your effort. Teach me to seek out your presence. When I do that, I'm told, I'll recognize that you are already here with me. Jesus, your are the presence of God in the world, and in my life. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

PROMISE

ISAIAH 66:22 (CEV)
I also promise that you will always have descendants and will never be forgotten, just as the new heavens and the new earth that I create will last forever.

JOHN 1:49 (CEB)
Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are God’s Son. You are the king of Israel.”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus' regime lasts forever.

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus is king over a coming forever regime, it behoves us to pledge our allegiance and align ourselves with him starting now. What will characterize this "new heavens and new earth"? Where do you go to find an answer to this question?

PRAYER
King over kings, Lord over lords, thank you for the promise of a forever rooted future. Forgive me for embracing the discouragment and dismay of our age. Show me how to embrace the promised hope and how to allow it to filter into every aspect of my life. I pledge my allegiance to you and your coming kingdom. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I'm striving to align myself with your ways, King Jesus. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

RESCUED

PSALM 81:7 (GNT)
   When you were in trouble, you called to me, and I saved you.

MATTHEW 14:30-31 (GNT)
   But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried.
   At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him.

THE ESSENCE
God seems to delight in rescuing his people.  

DAILY FODDER
In what ways have you experienced God's rescue in your life? 

PRAYER
God of abundance, thank you for resuing me from distress. Keep my fears from getting the best of me. When I open a new door, remind me that you are on the other side. I am always in good company when you are with me. Help me to bring hope to any hand that reaches out to me. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.