NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

Meditation

It is clear from Scripture that Mary knew her baby was no ordinary boy. An angel told Mary that she would become a mother of the Son of God. It is doubtful that she knew exactly what this meant. Who could have? But now we can know, we can understand who he was and the implications of it, through the power of the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ claims were exclusive. He is God’s only begotten Son. He is the one who reveals who God is, what God looks like in the flesh. Jesus’ sinless life, his perfect ministry, the truth of all that he said and the life that he modeled for us were all possible because he came straight from God and is God. And if there was ever any cause to doubt his claims, the way he died and the fact that he was raised from death provide proof. Jesus, the only Son of God, was not resuscitated. He was resurrected after death on the cross. He was seen by those who knew him. He could appear and disappear, walk through locked doors, eat and talk and appear as a normal human being, but with the marks of his crucifixion.

He is the only way to God. And we are to follow him. And the way we do this comes from God’s own words out of heaven as Jesus was coming up out of the water of his baptism: “Listen to him!”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to know you better. I want to know more about who you really are and what you are like. Scripture reveals wonderful truths about you. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, but my understanding of what that means is so limited. Your majesty and glory are beyond my human comprehension. Grant to me the joy of each day growing in my knowledge of you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent