Advent – December 2, 2015
First Advent: Romans 5:6–11 (ESV) 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Second Advent: Acts 3:19–21 (ESV) 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
At the first advent, God demonstrated his great love for humanity. He sent His Son to die for us – the ungodly, sinners. His death rescued us. This is his work of redemption. At his second coming, He will do his work of restoring all things. Until then, we wait. But we wait with repentant and faith-filled hearts. We wait refreshed by His Spirit.
Prayer: O God, my Father, thank you for the demonstration of perfect love, you gave in your Son, Jesus. I praise you as the One who reached me at my darkest and gave me life. And now, I sit before you, humbled by my constant need for grace. I am repentant and filled with faith to follow you until the day of restoration comes. Father, I long for your to fulfill every promise from your Word and keep me in your love, until they are fulfilled. In my Savior’s name I pray, Amen.