2020 Advent Devotional
Tuesday, December 16, 2020
Preparing for Change
Read Malachi 3:16-4:6 and Mark 9:9-13
Devotional by Mary Ann Aycock
As I read through the scriptures assigned to me, the one thing that stood out was that it was a lesson in preparation for change. Webster defines transfiguration as “to make a dramatic change in form, appearance of, or the character of.” As I labored to figure out how transfiguration fit into Advent, I soon realized that, for me, Advent is full of change. We transform our homes with wreaths and trees, presents with ribbons and bows, with wonderfully delicious aromas wafting from our kitchens and, best of all, gatherings with family and friends. We do the same with our churches where most include not only wreaths and trees, but nativity scenes, Advent candles, and special services. All of this we do in preparation to celebrate that most wondrous gift from God, the birth of his son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And how his coming transformed our world!
And so it is with me on Christmas Eve, as I sit in the sanctuary of our church surrounded by my family and life long friends, hearing the old familiar bible scriptures and Christmas carols, that I wonder if maybe this is what God has in store for us in heaven, the next transformation.
Prayer Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your beloved son and help us to be more open to change, so that we may grow evermore Christ-like in spirit and deed. AMEN.
Devotional by Mary Ann Aycock
As I read through the scriptures assigned to me, the one thing that stood out was that it was a lesson in preparation for change. Webster defines transfiguration as “to make a dramatic change in form, appearance of, or the character of.” As I labored to figure out how transfiguration fit into Advent, I soon realized that, for me, Advent is full of change. We transform our homes with wreaths and trees, presents with ribbons and bows, with wonderfully delicious aromas wafting from our kitchens and, best of all, gatherings with family and friends. We do the same with our churches where most include not only wreaths and trees, but nativity scenes, Advent candles, and special services. All of this we do in preparation to celebrate that most wondrous gift from God, the birth of his son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And how his coming transformed our world!
And so it is with me on Christmas Eve, as I sit in the sanctuary of our church surrounded by my family and life long friends, hearing the old familiar bible scriptures and Christmas carols, that I wonder if maybe this is what God has in store for us in heaven, the next transformation.
Prayer Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your beloved son and help us to be more open to change, so that we may grow evermore Christ-like in spirit and deed. AMEN.
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