Advent Devotional Day 1: I Can't Wait!

December 1:

B.C. (Birth of Christ Anticipatory Verse): John 1: 1-5

A.D. (Anticipated Deliverance Verse): Acts 13: 47

Christmas hymn: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Hymn for today: “Light Up The Sky” by the Afters

“I go hunning deer wif Daddy. I hut Daddy. Baby, you stay wif Mommy.” According to my sister-in-law, this is what three-year-old Wyatt said to his little brother, Dakota, after he saw my brother and the other guys get dressed and leave to go deer hunting. He even put on his snow pants (see pic) as he was mimicking his daddy. Even though the time isn’t right yet, Wy senses that he is missing out on something good and is definitely anticipating the day when he can join the hunters.

As Advent begins, so does our anticipation. We await the celebration of Christ’s birth and ultimately Christ’s return. Like Wy, we sense that we are missing out on something good, and we long for the day when we can join the rest of the party.  

Today’s verses remind us of God’s presence. Even though we celebrate His human birth, God was here long before that event. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1: 1-2) Likewise, even though we await His return, He is still with us.  “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (v 4).  Ironically, our thoughts at Advent are about when He joined earthly life; however, HE is the source of all life (physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual). Life in Him is the light that shines in the darkness (v 5). The light shows us who we are, where to go, and how to get there as we navigate this life.

However, the light is not just a special secret for us. As we anticipate His return, our charge is to get busy. “I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Like Wy putting on his snow pants, wanting to be like his daddy, we, too, are to mimic our Daddy, watching and doing what He does, awaiting the moment when He says we are ready and can join the rest of the party.

Daily Challenge:  Eat lunch with someone new today.