Advent – December 1, 2015
First Advent: Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Second Advent: Revelation 19:6–9 (ESV) 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
When your son or daughter was born, what dream did you have for her, or him? It probably included a future career and probably a wedding. When Jesus was born, God the Father had a wedding in view. But it wouldn’t be a marriage to a woman. When he returns, he will no longer be the baby laid in a manger, he will return as a bridegroom. The bride is his people, the church, men and women of faith. They will be clothed with righteousness. This wedding is the future Christ was born for. And when we’re born again, that marriage celebration is our future too.
Prayer: Father, you are glorious and worthy of praise. You have reached out to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. And you have secured us through the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for sending your Son as a baby. Thank you also, that by grace, you have invited us to share the future wedding banquet celebration. Jesus, my Lord, I look forward to that banquet with you. As I live today, keep your purposes and your future in my mind. Help me live in a way that reflects that I belong to you and long for a future with you. Amen.