ADVENT MEDITATIONS - Part 12

DEC. 24 - (Милость Божья)
The focus of today's meditation was on the reason why Jesus Christ appeared to us -- and that reason was to save us from sin - to set us free from the bondage that keeps us in sin and to be an advocate for us with the Father.

I chose these verses - Titus 2:11-14 -- For the grace of God has appeared which offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

This is a long passage; I chose it because it not only talks about why Jesus came the first time, but also because it declares that Jesus is coming again. Advent is preparation for our celebration of Christ's first coming, but also a time of remembering and preparing our hearts for His second coming.

DEC. 25 - (Подарки от Бога)
Today's meditation was kind of like a summary of the three main gifts that Christ gives to us through His incarnation.

1) Цель жизни (Purpose for living) - 1 John 3:23 -- And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He has commanded us.
2) Надежда в прощение (Hope in forgiveness) - 1 John 1:9 -- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3) Помощь (Help) - 1 John 4:4 -- You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one that is in the world.

There are no greater gifts that we could receive -- let's give thanks to God together!!

Merry Christmas!!

Here is the finished wall decoration -- I think I will leave it up for awhile as a reminder of the truths that I have hidden in my heart and also because it's pretty!!

ADVENT MEDITATIONS - Part 11

DEC. 22 - (Вера)
Today's meditation was on belief. How often we can get caught up in a really good story or movie and sometimes even live vicariously through it, but how easy it is for us to simply read the words of Scripture and pass over them without realizing the significance they hold.

I chose to memorize this verse today - John 20:31 -- But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

We know what the Scriptures say, but do we really believe Jesus is who He says He is? If we do, then that should be reflected in the way we live our lives. As I have meditated on Scripture this month in anticipation of celebrating His birth...and anticipating His second coming...I have come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of who He really is and it has strengthened my belief in Him. And that is the best Christmas gift!

DEC. 23 - (Радость)
Today's theme for meditation was a reminder that our focus at Christmas should be to rejoice in the fact that Jesus Christ has come to be our Savior.

I chose to memorize a couple of verses from Mary's song - Luke 1:46b-48a (1:47-48a in Russian) -- "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant."

This is one thing that does not change, and so whether I feel lonely or events at Christmas are not what I had hoped they would be, I can - and must - still choose to rejoice in who Christ is and the purpose He came to accomplish in my life.

ADVENT MEDITATIONS - Part 10

DEC. 20 - (Единство)
Today's devotional thought is on the theme of solidarity - unity of purpose. Although we have received freedom in Christ, our enemy will continue to try and turn us away from that, and we must be prepared and stand firm in the truth.

I chose to memorize these verses: Philippians 1:27-28a -- Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

The world is watching us - so at Christmas and every other day throughout the year we need to stand united as Christ's followers, confident in Him, sure of our freedom, and eager to share the gospel with others around us.

DEC. 21 - (Воплощение Бога)
Today's meditation was about why Christ's birth is so miraculously different than any other. Because Christ has existed forever, His birth was an incarnation. He already existed, yet He took on the form of His creation.

I chose Isaiah 43:10-13 -- "You are My witnesses," declares the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed - I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?"

There is no other god, and no one who can do what God did. This is what we celebrate at Christmas - God becoming human in order to save us and bring us into relationship with Him. What a miracle!