Genesis 3:14-19
Verse 16 To the woman He said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
Today is one of the most anticipated days of the Church calendar. The first day of Advent brings with it the excitement of the beginning of one of the most important seasons of celebration. The weather may be changing, drawing us to the warmth of home and the shorter portions of daylight have us seeking the comfort of the soft lights of the season. But the only thing that can truly bring us warmth during these long days of winter, is the reason for the season, Jesus.
As we go through this season of advent together let’s allow the wonder of the season and the One it celebrates, take us deeper into relationship with Him. Let’s learn to embrace what the season is all about. When we start setting our focus on Christ, the holiday with begin to be more than gifts and festivities, it will be about the building up and fulfillment of a promised Redeemer who left the luxuries that were His to become what we needed most.
This is the expectation that our hope is built on. Not a hope that is a mere wish for a Savior but a hope that is sure and already satisfied. This hope is based on a promise from God and there is no one who keeps their word like He does. When He told Eve that she would struggle in childbirth the promise wasn’t just about the pain, it was about the giving birth to a child who bore the seed needed to keep generations coming.
Just as Mary was anticipating the Child she was carrying, we need to anticipate how He will use this season to change our lives. We look forward with great hope to know Him in a life-changing way. How will He be born anew in our lives this advent season?
Making It Personal
How has the season of advent become routine to you over the years? In what ways have you allowed the world’s pageantry to take away the deep meaning of the season? What are you expecting this season?
Making It Personal Kids
What is your favorite thing about Christmas? What is special about Christmas? In what ways do you think you can get to know Jesus better during the Christmas season?
Closing Prayer
Father, we are expectant of all You want to show us during this season of hope, peace, joy, and love. Help us see all You want us to see about Jesus coming to earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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