Day 1: Hope is Coming

Theme For The Series: In this 21 day Advent devotional we are focusing on anticipation and the Incarnation, Christ’s presence In the world, the return of the King.

Intro Prayer: “Jesus, please help me in this time to be fully present to You and to myself that I may commune with You for the sake of your glory and the world around me.”

Silence: In this time, try and become silent before the Lord both internally and externally for 5 minutes. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to stillness.

Praise: Bless the Lord by declaring these truths about Him!

“You are my refuge, rescuer and rest. You reign in majesty and splendor. You rule will know no end. You are a rock that I can stand on. You are the resurrection and the life. You revive my spirit when I am tired. You restore my life and rescue me from my enemies.”

Devotional: I don’t know about you, but I avoid sad things. I avoid sad movies and tragic stories on the news. Life is hard enough without focusing on pain or loss or tragedy. And while this may be helpful at times, it is also helpful at times to look into the heart of darkness in our world because it awakens us to our need for salvation!

And just like the anticipation is part of the joy around a good meal, or a great vacation, as we are awakened to our need for a Savior, we get in touch with anticipation and expectation of what Jesus’s incarnation means.

As you meditate on today’s Scriptures, let them do a deep work in you of both realizing your need and realizing that hope is on the way.

Scripture: Read today’s text slowly. Feed your spirit on the words. Your goal in this time is to commune with Jesus through His Word. Take note as you sense His Presence.

Isaiah 9.2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Worship: Worship forms the truths of Scripture deep within our lives. This week we will be worshipping to the song O Come O Come Emmanuel sung by Lauren Daigle. It is a classic song reminding us that Hope is coming.

Listen: Take time to listen to the Holy Spirit. Write down anything you sense the Lord speaking.

Obedience: What from today is the Lord calling you to put in practice? Could be to pray for someone, to call someone, to serve someone etc.