Thursday December 23, 2021

Today is Thursday, December 23 and during this fourth week of Advent we explore what the Bible says about seeking Christ in Christmas.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus myself on the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. Reveal the message you have for me this Christmas through the power of your Holy Spirit. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, born in a manger and born in my heart anew. Amen.

I praise God Almighty and seek the joy of his presence with the words of Psalm 9.

The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:7-10

Pause and Pray

In this final week of Advent, we consider what it means to seek Jesus. One man who sought Jesus was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He is an example of someone in the Bible who had doubts but came seeking to find truth. Nicodemus was well-educated, theologically knowledgeable, and a member of the religious elite. He came to visit Jesus at night so that his interest would be hidden. It would have been shocking for a learned Jew of the council to approach this questionable itinerant preacher. Nicodemus risked his reputation and sought Jesus despite the potential danger. His coming at night implies he was “in the dark” and looking for the light to shine on his ignorance and uncertainty. In the same way, during the Advent season, as we light more candles each week, we seek the light of Jesus to dispel our darkness.

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:1-6

I recall the times of my life when I have been like Nicodemus – questioning, curious, uncertain, and “in the dark” of doubt. I have places I tend to go to when I am seeking answers. I consider who and what those resources are for me. At times, because of my education and knowledge, I decided I already knew the light of truth even though I was actually “in the dark.” In those dim night time places, did I seek Jesus? I recall times when I have gone to Jesus longing to understand the kingdom of God. Jesus says I cannot see nor can I enter the kingdom of God unless I am born again – born of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives new birth to my spirit so that I can live in the light and show evidence of what John Wesley calls The New Birth (see The Sermons of John Wesley, Sermon 18, The Marks of The New Birth).

Ask: Have I been born again and experience what John Wesley called The New Birth? Do I demonstrate evidence of faith, hope and love in my life?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, as Nicodemus came seeking you at night, I also seek you. I seek your truth. I seek your forgiveness. I seek God’s amazing grace offering me the gift of salvation and new birth. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, show me the next steps I need to take in my spiritual journey in order to live the life you have for me. I read John again, listening for the message you have for me today.

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:1-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

These final days leading up to Christmas, I wrestle with the things I seek from God. What is it I am truly seeking in my heart of hearts? When I meditate upon the image, word or phrase that stands out to me from this passage about Nicodemus, I ask myself what it is telling me about my deepest needs. The image of Jesus born in a manger is a familiar image during the week of Christmas. Jesus is the Word made flesh. Flesh gives birth to flesh. Jesus is born into this world and at Christmas I celebrate his birth. John however causes me to ponder my own birth. I was born a baby from my mother’s womb as Jesus was born of Mary, but what about my being born in the Spirit? Perhaps what I seek this Christmas most of all is what Nicodemus ultimately sought – to be born again, spiritually reborn by the grace of God. Born of water and the Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I ask you to come and meet me where I am in the darkness of my doubt and uncertainty. Open the scriptures to me and teach me your truth. Clearly show me what your words to Nicodemus mean to me and the current state of my soul. Open my eyes so I may see the gift of your kingdom that you are offering directly to me. Amen.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I walk in the light because he is in the light. I shine the light of Christ into the surrounding darkness of the world. Amen.