Tag: Christmas

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A Meditation for Advent

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. 
Isaiah 9:2     

This year, these words from Isaiah seem more resonant than ever. 2020 has been – and continues to be – in some ways darker than imaginable. With the first vaccines being administered, a glimmer of light is beginning to make its way through, but we almost certainly still have long months of fear, loss, and isolation to go.

At Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World, the one who brings us hope and salvation, but we also acknowledge the loss and the brokenness he came to redeem. What has your experience of the darkness been this year? Where has God been present to you in suffering and mourning, and who has he been to you?

I invite you to listen to this meditation from the spiritual directors at Soul Space on Isaiah 9:2-7.  Let Scripture, music, and the Holy Spirit move you to reflect on the character of God and what it means to hope in God in the midst of a season of darkness and waiting.  

May you have a blessed Advent season and may the light of Christ fill your heart and sustain you with life, peace, and love.

Visit the Soul Space website here: soulspace.center.

Find me on Instagram @ravishedbylight and on @soulspacecenter

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Advent Reflection – “The Eternal God is Your Refuge”

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Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Everlasting Father.” 

Guest writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz.com

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.

READ

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you.
He drives out the enemy before you;
he cries out, ‘Destroy them!

REFLECT & PRAY

Another comforting characteristic of God is that he is eternal and everlasting. When we are facing adversaries, it feels like our struggles will last for eternity. But God’s everlasting arms are longer and greater than those of our enemies, and he will bring the victory to those who love him. He commands us to “Destroy them!”, which suggests that he is inviting us to take part in his victory with our actions.

Indeed, in many battles described in the Old Testament, the LORD says “I will give so-on-so into your hands,” and yet the Israelites still had to go and fight. If the enemy is already defeated, then why go and fight instead of doing nothing? Perhaps we are to take part in God’s mission.

Through our God we shall do valiantly; it is he who treads down our enemies. (Ps 108:13). And yet, we take part in the “treading down” and share in God’s victory. While we are battling, we may get hurt. However, he has promised us that we can take refuge in him. He enfolds us like an eagle trying to protect its eaglets.

I hope these images give you an idea of what it is like to be under his wings. They protect us forever.

OBEY

Are there any areas in your life where you feel like you are facing adversaries, whether physical (an individual or organization, an illness or injury) or spiritual (temptations, addictions, distractions)?

Spend some time over the next few days asking your Father to make you aware of his everlasting arms surrounding you, protecting and fighting for you. Ask God if there is any way he is inviting you to participate as he fights on your behalf.

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Advent Reflection: Jesus’ Words of Life

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Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Counselor.” 

Guest writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz.com

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.

READ

John 1:14-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.”

REFLECT AND PRAY

A good counselor is truthful as well as gracious. Jesus’ Apostles tell us that as we speak the truth in love, we will grow more like Christ (Eph 4:15).

Counselors guide others with words. Words, especially eloquent words, can have a strong effect on people. They can be wise or they can be unwise. They can help or hurt. Therefore, a speaker or writer must take great care before expressing them. Once uttered or published, words cannot be taken back – one cannot un-ring the bell.

If human words are powerful, then how much more powerful are God’s words? His words created the whole universe and the beginning of time. Such powerful words without grace could destroy us all.

But God’s power is not aimed at our destruction but at bringing us life. Jesus, the Word in human form, reveals the Father’s heart to us by “making his home among us.” He comes to us with love and a gentle spirit (1 Cor 4:21).

In your prayer time today, ask Jesus to reveal to you what kinds of words you have spoken today to yourself and to others. Ask Jesus to show you where your words have been hurtful or helpful, whether you have spoken truth with love or used it as a weapon. As Jesus brings your words to mind, respond with either thanks for how your words brought life or by asking for forgiveness for how they caused pain. Finally, ask Jesus to speak his own words to you. Consider bringing to him a problem or a question you have been dealing with, and hear what loving counsel he has for you this Advent season.

OBEY

What have you heard from Jesus during your prayer time? He may be leading you to ask for forgiveness for harsh words spoken or inviting you to say something life-giving to a person you will encounter this week. Or, he may offer you steps to address the problem you are facing. Whatever Jesus says to you, offer him your love and gratitude for his presence with you, and respond in obedience.

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Advent Reflection: Drawn into Christ’s Love

656b8228-6f39-443c-82fd-0c3f0771c483An Advent series on the Names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6.

Guest writer: Mercy Perez

Name of Jesus: “Wonderful”

READ

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments
and unfathomable are His ways!

REFLECT & PRAY

When I was a child and found myself in a difficult situation I would run to my mother for help. I remember, on one occasion, twirling my hair around a hairbrush and not able to undo it. My hair was wound tight on that hairbrush. My mom, with all the patience in the world, sat me between her legs and masterfully freed my hair.

As a child, I ran to my mother because she was always there. She was constant in meeting my basic needs. I grew to trust her for answers and guidance.

As an adult, I have learned that God knows me better than I know myself and it is a good thing to seek his wisdom and guidance in making life choices.

There is one thing that I have learned as I read the stories and events in the Bible; God does not follow anyone’s plans. His ways are unconventional and I must not put limitations on what He can do and does.

He promised a nation – as many descendants as there are the stars in the sky – would come from a 100-year-old man and a barren wife, and it was so (Ex. 32:13).

He made a passage of safety for his people by opening the Red Sea and they walked on dry ground (Ex. 14:21).

He also promised a Savior, not only for the Jewish nation but for all people.

Born of a virgin, in a stable, Jesus lived a humble life and died on a tree. Yet he turned the world upside down with a message of the kingdom of God, a message of reconciliation.

God’s love for us is deep and unceasing. He can do the impossible. And all that he has done and continues to do is for the purpose of drawing us closer to him, through the reconciliation of his son.

In your prayer time today, start by acknowledging to God that his ways are more than we can know or understand. Praise him for his wondrous riches, power, and knowledge.

Ask Jesus to bring to mind that one thing, or that one situation, that has kept you from drawing closer to him. Then, ask him to give you the strength, wisdom, and knowledge to face and overcome whatever is drawing you away.

OBEY

As you hear Jesus’ voice, ask for his help to respond with trust. Believe he is working in your life, in your situation, and in your struggle. Take a moment to be still, letting your loving, wonderful Savior draw you further into his love.

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Advent Reflection: “May everything you have said about me come true”

 

656b8228-6f39-443c-82fd-0c3f0771c483Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Wonderful.”

 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.

READ

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.

You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

REFLECT 

Because Jesus is God, he knows everything about us: inside and out; past, present and future. Because Jesus lived among us, as one of us, he knows what it is like to live with human feelings, needs, and limitations. As fully God and fully human, Jesus offers us his wondrous love: complete, intimate knowledge matched by his complete empathy and compassion.

Advent is a season of expectation and faith. When the angel came to Mary, to tell her that she would be the mother of God’s son, the Messiah, Mary had no way to fully understand what she was being told. It was completely outside of her knowledge or experience. But she responded with these words of trust: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true” (Luke 1:38). She believed and expected that God would make his words happen, just as he said.

PRAY

During your prayer time today, speak to the One who knows you completely and loves you more than you can imagine. Ask Jesus to tell you something about yourself that he wants you to know, something that will bring you new life. He may name one of your gifts, tell you something about your present or future calling, tell you a truth about who you are, or simply tell you something that he loves about you.

When Jesus has spoken to you, respond in faith, using Mary’s words: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

RESPOND

Sometimes, because of how we have been hurt, or because of the things that we fear, it can be hard to believe Jesus when he says good things about us. If you are experiencing fear or doubt in response to Jesus’ words for you, ask Jesus to help you identify the root of those emotions. Ask him for healing and for increased faith.

Finally, consider how you would live differently if you did believe what Jesus has said to you – if you trusted Jesus to make it true, even if you can’t see it yet. In this first week of Advent, ask Jesus what step of obedience you can take. Is there a concrete action that will bring you closer to living out Jesus’ new and life for you?