Scriptures for the Week,
November 28 – December 3, 2011
The Scriptures for this first week of Advent reflect on the grace of God, a love so overwhelming because we have received it beyond anything we have either done or deserved.
MONDAY
Scripture: John 1:15-18
John testifies concerning Jesus. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
On this side of the birth of Jesus Christ, these words have a nearly romantic appeal. But it signified something much greater when first it was understood. The ancients were judged either by whimsy (the Greeks) or by obedience to a rigorous law (the Jews, among others). In Jesus Christ, a graceful love proclaimed that we belonged to God before we even came into relationship. It was grace, and from that grace has come literally one blessing after another. Think back as Advent begins to the many blessings you have known because of the love of God in Jesus Christ. And be thankful.
TUESDAY
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
So many have believed that the basis of faith is their own perfection. Our goodness is what makes us worthy before the Lord. But real faith comes when we realize that God has acted first. At the heart of Christmas is the action of God, who became as we are that we might become as God has made us to be. More than that, God actually has a reason for you, a work to do. Open your heart and God will lead.
WEDNESDAY
Scripture: Romans 12:6a
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
There is no such thing as a human being who is merely a vacuum, empty, nothing, and with nothing to give. God has blessed us. One of the most difficult obstacles to seeing our particular gifts is that we wish so much for what others are able to do. God equipped them, even as God equips us. Use the gifts God has given you, and do not wish that you had the gifts of another. And this Christmas, give your gifts.
THURSDAY
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5b & c
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
In Luke’s gospel, we hear Mary’s Song (1:46-52). In that song, Mary recounts how God lifts up the humble and hungry, but the powerful and self-sufficient are sent away empty. For the people of Jesus’ time, humility was not a virtue; it was nothing anyone wanted to be accused of being. Early Christians resolved that they would live in humble service to each other. There was no artificial structure giving one greater importance than another. All were called to serve each other. So too is the call for all of us yet today. Let us always be humble enough to serve. It is our proper act of worship.
FRIDAY
Scripture: Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
See to it that no one misses the grace of God. What a powerful phrase. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, this may well be the best understanding of true evangelism. We are so moved by our own faith that we do not want others to miss out on what has so enriched us. That is all evangelism is, telling other people about the good news of God in Jesus Christ so that no one misses the joy.
SATURDAY
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Faith may have its high moment, or maybe many of them. But deep faith is about growth. Those who do not continue to grow by the very definition begin to die. May we all grow in faith.
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