Wow, God! (An Advent Journey)Sample

WOW, GOD. YOU REALLY DO LOVE ME. 

Experience

And this is it. This is God’s shining moment. It’s what He’s been building up to for a long time. Introducing the world to His one and only Jesus. God sent Him as the Savior, but there are lots of ways people choose to see Him. I heard about someone liking Jesus best as a baby. It’s said in jest, but the truth is, the baby is where it starts. This baby starts God’s plan to unite us to Him. 

I didn’t have to go to Him. He came to me! Oh, to have been a shepherd on that night… to experience the announcement first-hand, surrounded by God’s glorious angel army! Of all the people God could have told, He told shepherds! Why? Because with Jesus, God’s love is shown for everyone. That sweet baby came to earth to love, to forgive, and to tell every single person that we are known and understood. To tell ME! There’s no preparation needed. This is the gift. 

Wow, God. You really do love me. Wow, God.

Respond

Stop and think about these things: God’s love for everyone, God’s love for you. Next think about this: “Now there were shepherds...living out in the field… An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:8-14) 

What made the shepherds so special? Well, the Christmas Bible story says God filled the sky with angels, but He was also that little baby. God is great and can fill the whole sky, but He is also approachable like a baby in a manger. This little detail - heaven’s first announcement to the shepherds - tells all people that God loves them and sent Jesus for them. God loves you and sent Jesus for you. How will this make Christmas different for you this year?

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus to earth. How great is Your love for me. Amen.