During this Advent season and throughout the year, how wonderful it is to call upon Christ as Lord and Savior! No matter what is going on in the world – we don’t lose heart and we don’t lose hope. Jesus is faithful and God has shared with us His redemptive plan for humanity in His Word, that continues to move forward regardless of what is happening around us. Isaiah 43:18-19 says,
Remember not the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Through hurricanes, earthquakes, news drama, political disagreements, terrorism, a fast-changing secular society on a moral downslide, and anything else that threatens our peace, God is on His throne. He will make a way and His plans will ultimately prevail. Take hold of what Jesus tells us in John 16:33, and keep this verse close when you are tempted to feel hopeless: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We will have trouble but always remember – we are not fighting FOR victory – we are fighting FROM victory. In Revelation 21:5 Jesus tells us, “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Our hope is not an uncertain wish, but rather, a confident assurance that Jesus will return someday and that he will make all things new! Let us reflect on this wondrous truth as we look forward to celebrating his birth and anticipate his return. Come Lord Jesus, Come!
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Today’s Activity: Stay off the internet today. Take a day off from social media. Instead, focus on what Paul instructs us to do in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things,” and see what a difference it makes in your day!
Nancy Golden earned her master’s degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. She is an adjunct faculty member at Dallas Christian College and she and her husband Phil are members of the Church of the Nazarene in Carrollton, Texas where they serve in various capacities. Today’s blog post is an excerpt (Day Fourteen) from her Advent devotional book – Taking Back Advent: Moving from the Mundane to the Miraculous, for sale just in time for the holidays. It is now available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. Nancy hopes you’ll consider adding this devotional to your holiday tradition and join her in Taking Back Advent as we move through the Christmas season!
