Friday December 16, 2022

Today is Friday, December 165 and this week continues our journey through the Advent season as we praise Jesus for preparing the way for us.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:41-44

As we look at the Advent narrative, we see John first leaping in the womb of his mother Elizabeth, delighted from before either child was born in all that God was about to do. For Jesus, must consider what would have happened if his relative John, had not been born onto the scene at the same time.

Partnership is an essential part of living the Christian life. Small groups and discipleship bands point us to more of God’s love for us. John was a partner with Jesus. Being born only a few months before Jesus, John was a forerunner of Christ in many ways. He was the way maker while Jesus was the Way. Just as John laid down his life to see Jesus fulfill his ministry, so too Jesus laid down his life to see us come into intimacy with God. John faithfully fulfilled his work to the point of facing death. Jesus does the same– moving toward a death that would mean the rescue of all humanity.

In Advent, we must consider how Jesus prepared the way for us to know him as the Way that leads to life. The Incarnation is a celebration of intervention– the day God gave his very best to see us restored to our best before him. He not only taught the way to the Father; he was the Way, the Truth, and the life.

Ask
Do you know of someone who needs help right now to find their way to, or back to, Christ? What could you do to help remove the barriers they believe are between them and God, to partner with and support the Spirit’s work in their heart?

Jesus, you invite me to follow paths that lead to you– to wholeness, to healing, to community, and to the Father’s heart. This Advent, I choose you again as the Way that leads to life. Would you give me the courage to live as a way-maker for those who are yet to return, by your Spirit? Amen.

Listen and sing along with us to songs that will shape our Advent season. Today we will sing “Waymaker/O Come Let Us Adore Him” which you can find here. Subscribe to our Spotify playlist featuring all of our Songs for the Season here.

First 15 through the season of Advent is adapted from Roots: Advent and the Family Story of Jesus available through Seedbed. If you or your small group are interested in using this resource for your Advent study, you can find more information here or send an email to discipleship@fmcm.org.