Illuminate Advent Sample

Illuminate Love Day 1

Fear. It’s something we’ve all tasted and felt trapped by and is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. In this Advent season we celebrate the arrival of Christ Jesus our King, who is our Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. But fear. It had an advent also. When we take time to celebrate Jesus’ advent, it helps to remember what He has changed.

Fear did not always exist. Fear's advent occurred at the fall of man when sin was pursued by Adam and Eve. Fear’s companions also reared their heads: shame, brokenness, pain, death, torn relationships, and the litany of consequences stemming from that original sin.

Genesis 3:8-10

There was fear where there was none prior. It didn’t have a place in God’s good creation. This new emotion that crippled Adam and Eve and drove them into the shadows of hiding from God has today become as common to us as a breath. Either of the dark or death, the loss of a job or joy, being caught or crushed, we all struggle with fear. We are ashamed of what we’ve done, unnerved by what others can do, and often we run and hide from God in the bushes rather than in confidence remembering the greater Advent that changed everything: love.

John 3:16–17

God loved us so much that He wanted not only to remedy our state of being afraid, which He does graciously, but the whole problem of sin and its curse. He sent Jesus for life and salvation.

But in regards to the fear that may keep you from living the life Jesus gives you, let the word of God remind you of the advent of love and its power.

1 John 4:16–18

John tells us two incredible truths.

1. God is love.
2. Perfect love drives out fear.

So Jesus Christ, who is God, is love. And He is perfect as the Father is perfect. So it is Jesus who casts out our fear! There is no fear in Him! And in its place, we can by grace through faith experience hope, peace, joy, and love.

Spend time this week letting God’s word dwell in you richly. Abide in Christ. He is love. He gives love. And he empowers us to love.

Take-Aways:

1. Where do you tend to ‘hide’ when you face fear? How can you instead turn to Jesus when you fear?

2. Take time to write down the fears you face this week. Take that list to the Lord and surrender it to Him, daily praying for His love to cast them away.