Advent devotions 2007

Wed, 19 Dec 2007

December 20 - Restoring my spirit
By Grace Eidmann, a junior social work and theater double major from Antioch, Ill.

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
The holiday season can often be chaotic and overwhelming. Personally, there is nothing I enjoy more than curling up by the fire with a steaming mug of peppermint tea and an engaging book to restore my spirits.

Restoration is an exceptionally powerful concept. It transpires all around us on both large and small scales. Whether it is the continued work towards restitution in nations such as Ireland and Palestine, the complex rehabilitation of a stroke patient, the painstaking renewal of a famous work of art or the lengthy process of reestablishing good credit – the act of restoring has considerable implications upon everyday life.

In Paul's letter to the Roman church, he calls for another kind of restoration, a regeneration through "obedience of faith," an attitude that Paul describes as one completely devoted and willing to serve. God restores us by erasing our past errors and restoring us to wholeness. In turn, it is our responsibility to become living examples through our actions as well as words. Like it or not, Christians are called to be "set apart." We must deliberately turn away from conflicting interests and strive to emulate the ministry of love and restoration the Jesus demonstrated throughout his life.

As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, it is only fitting that we reflect on God's promised restoration and fulfillment through Jesus Christ. To close, Paul's own words from Romans 1:7: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Amen!

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7 (NRSV)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Posted at 16:44 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.