Acts 3:11-16 Believe in the Miracle!

Scripture: Acts 3:11-16

Summary: After Peter and John heal the lame man, everyone is astonished. Peter tells them that they didn't heal the man with their own power, but with the power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Thoughts: Peter says "the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you." The disciples were able to do amazing things because they had faith in Jesus. Especially in this time of Advent, while we are awaiting the birth of the Christ child, I wonder what miracles we might be a part of. I have seen lives changed by Christ. So why is it that I still lack faith in the power of faith in Jesus? Why am I hesitant to trust that God will provide what I need: healing, food, shelter, work? What kind of miracle do you need in your life? How might you be a miracle in someone else's life during this season in which we wait for a glimpse of the child who changed everything?

Prayer: God who sent Jesus to earth to be God with us, help us to have faith in you. Help us to be a miracle in another's life this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the child you sent. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-5 - God's preposterous promise

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5

Summary: Comfort my people says the Lord. A voice cries out: prepare the way of the Lord. "Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all the people shall see it together."

Thoughts: This scripture reminds us that at some point, God's glory will be revealed. Perhaps this refers to the time when Christ will come again. Perhaps it refers to the coming of the kingdom of God that Jesus also proclaimed. Either way, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord. What does that mean? At this time of year, it usually means we need to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. Prepare by remembering who Jesus was and what he shared with us. Let your faith shape the season of Advent for you. Let the promises of God be uppermost in your mind as you prepare to remember.

Prayer: Help me to prepare the way of the Lord, rather than focusing on preparing the Christmas presents. After all, it's Christ's birthday, not ours. Amen.

Mark 1:1-8 - God's preposterous promise

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Summary: John the Baptist is baptizing people for repentence of their sins. He proclaims that another is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts: It's the beginning of advent, the season that we use to prepare for the coming of Christ. I want to share what Reuben Job has to say: "I can believe, rejoice, and wait trustingly and expectantly for the unfolding of God's promise given so many ways and most clearly in the Advent story. Thanks be to God!" Advent can be so many things for us. It can be the time we use to decorate the house, buy presents, send cards, and go to parties. Or it can be the time we use to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of the Christ, the coming of God in human flesh.

Prayer: God, I know I can't totally avoid all of the Christmas hype and busyness, but help me to spend time this season focusing on Jesus Christ and what his coming means to my life. Help me to spend some time pondering this miracle. Thanks be to God! Amen.