READ
Luke 19:10 (NIV)
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." |
Reflect
The word "advent" simply means "coming." This season, we're invited to pause and focus on the meaning of Jesus' coming into the world. At its heart, the spirit of Advent mirrors the heart of Jesus' mission: "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Jesus' arrival was a search-and-save mission. He didn't come to observe from a distance or to wait for us to figure things out. He came after us. As Paul writes,
"…wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." (1 Thessalonians 1:10, NIV)
Advent is a season for cherishing and worshiping this truth about God: He is a searching and saving God. He is not aloof, passive, or indifferent. He is always moving, always pursuing, always inviting us into His rescue.
The book of Acts celebrates this same "advent heart." It tells the story of Jesus' ongoing arrival into more and more lives as He sends His followers out:
"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'" (John 20:21, NIV)
Every Advent, we remember: Jesus came into the world, and He's still coming-into the lives of people everywhere, sometimes through us. Our advent is joining His-showing up in the lives of others, bearing His hope, His love, and His search-and-save heart.
Quotes for Today
"Advent, it's rooted in the Latin verb 'adventio,' meaning 'I am coming, I arrive.' We only arrive when we keep coming to Jesus." - Ann Voskamp
"Each day of Advent, we will actively wait. We will wait knowing that the remaking of everything has already begun." - Ann Voskamp
Apply
Where do you sense God inviting you to join His search-and-save mission this Advent?
How has Jesus sought you out in your own story?
Action Steps
Ask God to show you one person who needs encouragement or hope today. Reach out with a text, call, or simple act of kindness.
Pause at the start of each day this week and pray, "Jesus, show me where You are searching and saving-help me join You."
Prayer Points
Thank Jesus for coming after you-personally, persistently, and lovingly.
Pray for a heart that sees the lost and joins God's mission, both this Advent and beyond.
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