Advent Devotions

“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; you are the same, and your years will never end.” 

Hebrews 1:10-12

Read Hebrews 1:5-14 

Today is the day after the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Nearly half of the previous 24 hours were spent in darkness. Today marks the beginning of increasingly longer days. 

Some churches hold Advent services called “The Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” on the longest night of the year. These services are designed to be a comfort for those who are grieving during a time of the year that is typically marked with merriment and joy. The grief may be the death of a loved one or another loss. The services are generally somber, using candlelight and silence to set the frame for contemplative readings, music and prayers that invite participants to express their grief and focus on the promise of hope found in Christ. 

While at first glance the text does not seem to address grief, the undercurrent is there. In contrast with the eternal nature of God is the brevity of our life on earth. Hebrews 1:10-12 offers comfort for the grieving at Advent when we celebrate the birth of the one who was present from the founding of the world and who will remain long after all have perished. 

The text in Hebrews 1 harkens back to the anguished prayer of Psalm 102. Penned at a time when the psalmist is overwhelmed with the cares of the world, the prayer contrasts the brevity of human life with the enduring nature of God. Here, as in Hebrews 1, the eternal nature of God is a comfort to those who grieve. 

On this day after the longest night, though our souls may be troubled, and our hearts heavy with the weight of sorrow, may our grief be comforted, and may we find hope in the eternal one. 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 

John 1:14 

Read John 1:14-18 

Next year Fresno Pacific University will celebrate its 80th birthday! Marked moments, like birthdays, call us toward a hope-filled future. God has been faithful to Fresno Pacific and by his grace and by the power of his spirit, the university will continue to bring hope into a dark and hurting world for generations to come. 

God’s faithfulness to his people is apparent throughout Scripture. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 

John tells us the word became flesh and lived among us. John’s Gospel makes it clear Jesus didn’t just appear to be human, he really was human: flesh, blood, eyes, ears, heart, soul and mind. And yet he is still God. 

Though no longer with us in human form, Jesus is still with us and among us. He continues to make his faithfulness known and we can indeed see his glory, often in ways we wouldn’t expect. We can bow in worship at his feet, be assured of the living hope he provides and know that he walks with us—our Emmanuel. 

God, thank you for loving us enough to come to where we are. Thank you for revealing your glory to us, through your son Jesus Christ. Help us to use this Advent season as an opportunity to reflect and focus on your ever-present love. 

“The Mighty One has done great things for me…He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” 

Luke 1: 49, 52

Read Luke 1:46b-55 

This fall I am teaching an Honors Writing Seminar featuring J.R.R. Tolkien. In his fantasy tale The Lord of the Rings, students see that Tolkien, a devout Catholic, created his “savior” character as a powerless hobbit who challenges the great and evil Lord Sauron. It is not the powerful, heroic figures who take the main stage in this quest, but humble Frodo Baggins. We find Tolkien’s biblical inspiration for his “upside down” kingdom in Mary’s Song, the Magnificat. 

When Mary visits Elizabeth, her cousin prophesies about the child in her womb. Mary responds with a hymn—the Magnificat—in which she emphasizes the great reversal that will come through this child. The proud, the rich, will be laid low and the humble, the poor, will be lifted up. 

We are reminded that the world’s order is not God’s order. We should not be dazzled by society’s powerful ones, but pay attention to those with little status who have pure and open hearts. The child, born of the young and trusting Mary, the carpenter’s son without a place to lay his head, would be the one, like Frodo, to lead the world to rejoicing. While the world’s powers raged, the brave defeat of evil would be unfolding in a barren corner—Frodo in the depths of Mordor, Jesus on the cross at Golgotha. 

The song of Mary, the “lowly handmaiden,” the vessel for the One who will save the weary world, is a generous, joyful response to God’s plan. It is a model for us all. 

Loving God, remind us what tremendous transformation is happening quietly, through the kingdom work of ordinary people—yes, even through us—and give us joy along the way. 

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” 

Luke 2:10-11

Read Luke 2:1-14 

Nine pounds, two ounces, 22 inches; 10 fingers and 10 toes…After a long and hard labor our first-born finally arrived. The weariness of hours of labor immediately disappeared. Joy filled the room. In that moment joy was not a concept or a feeling but a tiny person—a baby. 

As we journey through this Advent season, dear Fresno Pacific friends, we reflect on the profound joy found in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Luke’s Gospel reminds us of the humble beginnings of our Lord, born in a stable in Bethlehem. Despite the lowly circumstances, this event marked the dawn of a new era—a time of immeasurable joy and hope for all humanity. 

Do you feel the world is broken? Are you weary? Anxious? The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds that night resounds in our hearts today, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” This message transcends time and speaks directly to your heart and mine. Joy and hope entered the world that day as a person, a baby. A perfect God took on imperfect human form—born of a virgin and destined to take away the sins of the world. Hallelujah! 

Heavenly Father, we join with millions of people around the globe celebrating the joyous gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you! As we celebrate his birth, may his joy shine brightly through our lives, touching the hearts of those around us. Use us as instruments of love and compassion during this season and beyond.