She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

Reflection

During the Advent season, we don’t spend a lot of time in the book of Mark. There’s no Magnificat, no angels and shepherds, no stars shining brightly. Mark’s our ministry guy, and when the Holy Spirit inspired this book, the incarnation narrative was not in the outline. Mark is about Christ’s message.

Just 14 verses into Chapter 1, Jesus is beginning His earthly ministry with these words:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Jesus’ message was clear - repent and believe - much like the message of the Advent and Christmas seasons. You see, Advent is traditionally a season of repentance and preparation. It’s a solemn time. And Christmas is a time for celebration!

The Twelve Days of Christmas is not just a fun Christmas song, it's a real part of the Church calendar. The first day of Christmas is December 25 and festivities continue through January 5 (called Twelfth Night), followed by Epiphany on January 6th. Advent and Christmas is are a process of fasting to feasting - living Christ’s call to “repent and believe”!

We all celebrate a little bit differently at Christmastime.  Many of us are eager to begin the festivities as soon as the last dish is put away after the Thanksgiving meal. Let’s let Jesus’ words in Mark and Joel’s words to the Israelites remind us that the joy is indeed coming, but that repentance is an important piece of the Advent process. Joy is only as satisfying as repentance is deep.

Let us sober our hearts now as we look ahead to the feast. Let us ask God to show us our sins, that godly grief might show us our need for the Savior whom we will soon celebrate with abandon!

Prayer

Lord, search us and know us. As you reveal our sins to us, may it spur repentance in our hearts. Prepare us to celebrate Christ's coming and to see with new eyes the richness of our salvation by first seeing our need for Him. Amen.

Advent Action

Consider fasting today or sometime this week. If not food, perhaps a comfort. Spend time asking the Lord to help you truly grieve your transgressions and lead you to a deeper understanding of your salvation.

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