Advent Reflections Podcast

Dec 22 2023 25 ep. 5 mins
Advent Reflections Podcast artwork

“Advent” means “arrival” or “coming,” and it’s a season of the year that Christians have observed for centuries anticipating the birth of Jesus. But for many, December flies by with a flurry of activities - Leaving you worn out and just glad it’s over at the end of the month. It can be the most stressful time of the year. But what if this season actually brought you closer to Christ? What if you were able to create some space to really feel the longing for Jesus to arrive? What if there was time for reflection and refocusing, so you can experience the gifts that Jesus brings—love, peace, joy, and hope? This blog of daily devotions is offered as one simple tool to help us connect with Christ more deeply in the days leading up to Christmas. It will be centered on the core themes of the Christmas story, publishing reflections Monday through Saturday around the themes of...

  Religion & Spirituality
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Day 24 | A Story Continued

Dec 22 2023 7 mins  
For four weeks, we have travelled in and out of the Christmas story, waiting to see not only the birth of Jesus, but also watching for what God wanted to give birth to in our lives. And now, Christmas is here! What has happened? What has God been saying to you? How has Jesus entered into your life, and what difference does it make? The story that we rehearse at Christmas isn’t j

Day 23 | Unexpected Hope

Dec 21 2023 6 mins  
At the time of Jesus’ purification at the Temple, there was a woman there who “continually lived in the presence of God,” worshipping night and day. Isn’t it interesting that she knows something about this small child that others may have missed? It seems as if God reveals his secret purposes to those who live in his presence, and this woman knew that the redemption of God�

Day 22 | Seek Him

Dec 20 2023 7 mins  
Jesus’ story is not something that will remain in the dark. Sure, he was born in an out-of-the-way town in a back-alley barn, but his arrival has implications for all the earth. The news is starting to spread--both wide, to the farthest regions, and high to the upper echelons of society. Upon hearing it, there are two basic responses: One: to be hopeful and moved to worship, or T

Day 21 | Child of God

Dec 19 2023 6 mins  
It was another morning drop off and, as was the routine, young Daniel gathered his bookbag and his lunch and set to venture into another day of school. As he stood within the car door opening performing his check for all things elementary, he looked back inside the car toward his faith-filled mom to get the most important things he would bring to school that day: “I love you, Dan

Day 20 | Giftings

Dec 18 2023 5 mins  
The season of Advent triggers a deep sense of longing and eager anticipation. This time of year at its essence is about the birth of our only source of hope, Jesus Christ, who would go on to free us from sin and death once and for all with His sacrifice on the cross, and will return again to permanently defeat sin and establish His Kingdom here on earth. However, it’s important t

Day 19 | Transformation Coming

Dec 17 2023 7 mins  
In this Psalm 72, David expresses his longing for a King that will bring God’s ultimate, of a world set right. He’s anxious for a King who will lead God’s people in all of the Lord’s ways. He longs for a ruler that will bring the gospel—or good news—proclamation and also foster moral transformation of all societies. No earthly ruler like this fully exists, of course. Bu

Day 18 | Receive the Light

Dec 15 2023 4 mins  
The winter solstice will arrive next week with the longest period of darkness of any day of the year. And sometimes life can mirror this darkness as we reflect on painful parts of the year or when we’re lonely and have trouble capturing the cheeriness of the season. But Christmas brings light to people in darkness. Isaiah announces that even though we may be living in a land of d

Day 17 | Great Things

Dec 14 2023 5 mins  
In sending Jesus, God announced that he was putting the world back together. He would redeem and restore and heal what sin has so thoroughly damaged. He would bring us back home into a relationship with him. The coming of Jesus is indeed meant to signal “Joy to the World!”, for God is faithful and “even those who go out weeping...will return with songs of joy.” Listen to �

Day 16 | An Incredible Mystery

Dec 13 2023 5 mins  
The book of John views the Christmas Story from a different perspective. John uses figurative language to describe Jesus’ birth, saying “the eternal Word of God came in the flesh and lived among us.” What an incredible mystery! May you find joy today in knowing that the light of Christ has come to you. Receive it. Recognize it. And walk in the light. And may you be reminded t

Day 15 | To All People

Dec 12 2023 4 mins  
Luke makes it clear that everyone is invited to the party, Jesus’ birthday party that is – even the shepherds. And the good news of great joy for all people is that the Messiah is finally here! This great joy is available for ALL people – even those stuck in sin patterns, addiction, broken relationships, and emotional pain- for you and me. Author Frederick [BEEK-NER] writes i