Advent devotions 2007

Thu, 27 Dec 2007

December 27 - A host of contradictions
By Sami Fulton, a senior molecular biology/biochemistry and chemistry double major from Shreve, Ohio

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
After Christmas most people hurriedly take down the tree, put presents in their proper location and basically forget that Christmas even happened. Sure, they might use something new they got, but the entire season is gone from their hearts.

This passage is talking about the whole reason we celebrate Christmas: Christ came to earth. He was willing to leave his heavenly throne to come to earth with the sole intent of dying. Through that death we are able to live. Jesus came to us as a host of contradictions. He was born a baby, and yet a king. He was born to a carpenter's family, but also came straight from God. Because of him coming as a human being, he is far more able to relate to us.

I encourage you, as this holy season closes, to make the relationship of Jesus such an important part of your life that the Christmas mindset — the idea that Christ came as a baby to save us — will be integrated in everything you do. Have a blessed rest of the holiday season!

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

'I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.'
And again,
'I will put my trust in him.'
And again,
'Here am I and the children whom God has given me.'

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.


Posted at 10:14 #



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.