Sixth Day of Advent
Isaiah 46:9-11, New American Standard Version
9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.”
When my children were small, Christmas Eve at my parents’ home was all-out. Two glowing trees, mistletoe, candles, music, and a formal turkey dinner, followed by flaming plum pudding, shiny crackers popped and paper crowns worn. Then into the living room to read Luke 2 and exchange our gifts. Later, we told stories by firelight.
The Advent season often triggers memories of former things long past…childhood homes, deceased loved ones, traditions no longer observed, our own former wide-eyed wonder. Nostalgia makes us mourn for what seems forever lost.
Do you think of your relationship to God that way, too? Do you only vaguely recall a time when He seemed very near, when you had a strong sense of His direction and comfort?
Unlike our shifting experiences and perspectives, God’s character remains unchanged. He is sovereign and has a plan, ordaining world leaders and future events. God stands outside time, observing and orchestrating the past, present, and future simultaneously. Mind-boggling, scary—and at the same time, reassuring. The God you know and love can be trusted with your future. And what a future: Advent remembers awaiting the Messiah’s birth and anticipates His return. God will surely bring it to pass!
Susan Spoon
Re: Verse reading – John 1:1-18