Down to Earth: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

Day 1: Watch This Space

Reflection

Welcome to the Down to Earth Advent devotional journey. Over the next 25 days, we’ll reflect on our down-to-earth Savior – the One who literally came from Heaven to walk among us, and who calls each of us to join in His Mission right where we are, in all the details of life.

Today, our devotions begin in the best place possible: Hope. Hope in a King unlike any other. An unusual King.

Jeremiah’s message to the people of Judah seemed so unlikely. The country lay in ruins, Jerusalem about to fall. The line of David was in shambles, with Israel and Judah ruled by a succession of terrible kings who, despite a few bright spots, had led God’s people away from Him. It’s been said you get the leaders you deserve, and that’s where rejecting God’s Purposes left them.

But as they faced their seemingly certain end at the hands of the Babylonians, God told them to hope. "The days are coming when I will fulfill the good promise I made". One day, a Righteous Branch from David’s line – a Great, Perfect, and Wonderful King – will come. He’ll do what’s right and put things right. It will happen.

This wasn’t pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking, but real, down-to-earth hope. A branch sprouting, starting out small and seemingly insignificant – like a baby, born in poverty and laid in a manger – but with the Power of God behind Him.

Right now, in our Earthy and often broken world, it can be difficult to see where hope can be found. But we can hope in the Lord, our Righteous Savior. He’ll do what’s right, and whatever we’re facing in the day ahead, we can trust Him for the future He has in store for us and His world. Watch this space.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please encourage, equip, and challenge all of us starting this devotional journey today. Amen.