A Hope Eternal - Advent DevotionalUzorak

The Advent season is that wonderful time of year when we look back to Jesus’ first coming and that time when we look forward to His second coming. But sometimes, the busyness of the season can distract us from the true reason for the season. If you are anything like me, you must work hard to—as they say—keep the Christ in the Christmas season.

Perhaps one of the most relevant and challenging Scriptures for the Advent season is found in Hebrews 12:2, which states, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In the previous chapter of Hebrews, the author mentions many of the great men and women of faith who went before (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Sarah). And while their faith is worthy of imitation, the writer says that we are to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” Who is “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” He went before us and set the example that we are to follow. However, we must remember that Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He died in our place and made satisfaction for our sins. Thankfully, Jesus did not die reluctantly for us; on the contrary, it was for the joy set before Him that He endured the pain and humiliation of the cross. Upon completion of His earthly mission, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He is the example of obedience and perseverance, par excellence.

The truth is that God did become one of us. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:35). The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He suffered, bled, and died for sinners like you and me so that we can make our way home to God. There is no better news than this! Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and never stop looking.

Prayer

Father, we thank You for this season and all that it represents. This time of year reminds us of Your extraordinary love, the love shown in giving Your one and only Son to this world. We give thanks for Jesus, who willingly laid down His life so that we can have eternal life. And we are eternally grateful for the Holy Spirit, who has awakened our hearts to the glory of the Gospel. We pray that the light of Your Word will shine brighter and brighter into the darkness of this world. Jesus, you were faithful to come the first time, and we know that You will be faithful to come again. So our prayer this Advent season is “Come, Lord Jesus! Come again to finish Your work in this world.” Amen!

Scott Adams, D.Min., Ph.D., serves as an assistant professor of Practical Ministry for the Regent University School of Divinity.