Our Reliable series this Advent opens the prophetic writings of the Old Testament as we discover together God‘s authority to keep every promise he has made in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Humanities maker was made human, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die. —Augustine

Welcome

As you reflect upon the incarnation of Jesus Christ, take some moments to think about the hope that you have in Christ. What changes becomes clarified, or even becomes confused, if Christ is who Augustine declares Him to be in the quote above?

Worship

As you go into prayer, reflect on this prayer by Augustine. Praise God and give God your cares and needs.

Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.

Word: Isaiah 52:7-10

What stands out to you as you read through this passage?

What do you learn about God’s purposes, plans, and desires in this passage?

What do you learn about Jesus?

How does this passage guide, lead, or inspire you to action?

Witness

Charles Dickens writes in “A Christmas Carol” that after Scrooge is visited by the three ghosts and has a change of heart, he says: “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” What would it mean for you to keep the hope and reality of Christmas and practice it in the days to come?

Daily Readings

Sunday, December 24, 2023: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 // Luke 1:1-20
Monday December 25th, 2023: Isaiah 9:2-7 // Luke 1:26-38
Tuesday, December 26, 2023: 1 Samuel 1:19-28 // Hebrews 8:1-13
Wednesday, December 27, 2023: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 // Mark 11:1-11
Thursday, December 28, 2023: Jeremiah 31:15-17 // Psalm 148 // Matthew 2:13-18
Friday, December 29, 2023: Isaiah 49:5-15 // Matthew 12:46-50
Saturday, December 30, 2023: Proverbs 9:1-12 // 2 Peter 3:8-13