Nov. 29: Celebrating the joy at hand
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DEVOTIONAL:
When I think of the Advent Season I can’t help but think of the tradition in our home surrounding the Advent calendar that hangs on display at this time of year. As we count down in gleeful expectation of Christmas day, my three brothers and I also look forward to the thrill of moving the little mouse from one day to the next. I am only partially ashamed to say that now as adults, this thrill still exists and we revel in who got to move that silly little mouse. The daily excitement and expectation in this funny illustration of our childlike joy adequately describes what the heart of advent is all about.
This week’s theme, “Salvation is at Hand,” is sandwiched between the themes “Restore Us” and “Hold Fast.” I think that this paints an accurate picture of the role that we, the people of God, play and have played throughout the generations. The message of hope that is deemed in the future is, at the same deemed “at hand.”
The theme salvation at hand connotes for me the celebration that accompanies an excited expectation. This is not merely far off but rather is right now! It is around us. We usher in salvation. We declare, we exemplify, what is to come through the meeting of love and faithfulness as this psalm states.
All are welcome. Open your hearts.
1You showed favor to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. “Selah”
8I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints– but let them not return to folly. 9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Dear Leanna,
May your “silly little mouse” lead us all to the
Lion of Judah.
Bless you at Christmas.
Mervyn Carapiet
You are right salvation is what Jesus was all about
thank you for the reminder!!!!!
Wonderful exhortation to live in excited anticipation of the day we live in right now! Jesus is coming…and already here! Great job, Leanna!
Leanna, I love your faithful heart. Thanks for giving it here and every day in your acts of love and service.
I enjoyed your illustration with the advent mouse! Salvation is a wondrous and exciting gift! May we never lose the thrill!