2020 Advent Devotional
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Repent and turn to God
Read Acts 3:17-4:4
Devotional by Betty Davenport
During this season we are encouraged to prepare for something very special, the coming of the Lord. The Christian calendar has helped our family continue the connection that the worship service brings on Sunday. During Advent, we would gather around the family table to light the family Advent wreath and read the scripture each day. The wreath was usually made at a family church event. Our grandchildren have continued this time with their families. Advent is a way to separate us from the “hustle and bustle” of the secular calendar.
Family worship time is so important to our faith, especially in these days, as we are given ominous warnings of large gatherings and to forego many of those traditions of the past. Today’s scripture focuses on the sermon delivered by Peter calling for the gathered people to repent. This is one of the primary ways we prepare for the coming of our Lord in the person of Jesus Christ. This theme surfaces in the prophets of our Old Testament as well as John the Baptist in the early pages of the New Testament synoptic Gospels.
Peter encourages the gathered throng to “repent and turn to God so your sins might be wiped away.” Thus, for Christians our repentance is an essential of Advent preparation. What a great time to examine our own lives and teach our children or grandchildren this practice.
Peter follows this practice of sincere repentance with a promise. Times of repentance are followed by the promise of “refreshing times to come in the presence of the Lord.” Help yourself and your family focus on this promise that places us calmly in the presence of our Lord.
As we move through the season of Advent, may we begin with sincere repentance. May we journey towards the refreshing presence of God. Journey with your family, a close friend, or with a reformed church media. Happy journey!
Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prepare for your coming this Advent season. Please help us be ever mindful and responsive to the needs of others, in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
Devotional by Betty Davenport
During this season we are encouraged to prepare for something very special, the coming of the Lord. The Christian calendar has helped our family continue the connection that the worship service brings on Sunday. During Advent, we would gather around the family table to light the family Advent wreath and read the scripture each day. The wreath was usually made at a family church event. Our grandchildren have continued this time with their families. Advent is a way to separate us from the “hustle and bustle” of the secular calendar.
Family worship time is so important to our faith, especially in these days, as we are given ominous warnings of large gatherings and to forego many of those traditions of the past. Today’s scripture focuses on the sermon delivered by Peter calling for the gathered people to repent. This is one of the primary ways we prepare for the coming of our Lord in the person of Jesus Christ. This theme surfaces in the prophets of our Old Testament as well as John the Baptist in the early pages of the New Testament synoptic Gospels.
Peter encourages the gathered throng to “repent and turn to God so your sins might be wiped away.” Thus, for Christians our repentance is an essential of Advent preparation. What a great time to examine our own lives and teach our children or grandchildren this practice.
Peter follows this practice of sincere repentance with a promise. Times of repentance are followed by the promise of “refreshing times to come in the presence of the Lord.” Help yourself and your family focus on this promise that places us calmly in the presence of our Lord.
As we move through the season of Advent, may we begin with sincere repentance. May we journey towards the refreshing presence of God. Journey with your family, a close friend, or with a reformed church media. Happy journey!
Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prepare for your coming this Advent season. Please help us be ever mindful and responsive to the needs of others, in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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