NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

Meditation

God does things we would never think of. And he does things in ways we think would never work. But God’s ways are so much wiser than any of our plans. Imagine if God had chosen to come to earth as a grown man. He then might have been more of what his people were expecting as they looked for the Messiah that had been promised. But a baby? How can a child, who is helpless and totally dependent, be the Messiah?

None of what happened that day in that stable, among the animals, was grand. God the Father gave his Son a completely humble birth and an almost regular childhood. “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him” (Luke 2:40).

And, against all kinds of opposition, this tiny baby will be the one to save our lives and someday rule the world. It doesn’t make much sense to us. A baby? But that is because we are so limited in our understanding of the ways of God.

Still, do not miss this vitally important lesson: The God of the universe is content to use the weak things of the world to confound the strong. And this truth should give us comfort. If he can use a baby to change the world, he can certainly use us.

Prayer

Father God, your kingdom ways appear to be upside down to me, but I am beginning to see that it is my vision that is distorted. The mystery of the incarnation is utterly unique in the history of the world — the God becoming flesh in order to become one of us. The radical and profound lengths to which you went in order to save us all from the power of Satan amazes me. As I read the story of the first Advent, I am struck by all that you put into place. Only you could have conceived of it. Having made the world, you sent your Son into the world, knowing that he would be betrayed, rejected and crucified by the people he came to save. And yet you did it — to save me. I praise your name and thank you for your awesome gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent