The First 15

Thursday December 8, 2022

by Thomas Mitchell

Today is Thursday, December 8 and this week continues our journey through the Advent season as we claim Jesus as the Word made flesh.

Scripture Reading

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…

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 1:1, 14

Reflection

Advent reminds us of the reality that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as the Word of God among us – Emmanuel. Jesus lived and spoke as the expression and embodiment of the very heart of God. Scripture tells us that it was by his Word that God spoke creation into being in Genesis 1. It speaks of the power of our words in James 3. And in the Christmas story, that same creative power was alive in Christ. Hebrew 1 says it this way:

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

In Advent we celebrate the display of the power of God speaking directly to us and among us in Christ Jesus– the Word made flesh.

Ask
How does the life of Christ speak to you? Would you consider spending additional time in the Gospel of John this Advent season– taking in the stories of Jesus and making yourself available to the Word God would speak to you through his life?

Closing Prayer

Jesus, you were born to live and speak among us as an image of the invisible God. Today, I choose to hear you– to seek out your voice. Today, I choose obedience to that voice. Today, would you lead me into a deeper awareness of your love for me. Speak Lord. Amen.

Songs of the Season

Listen and sing along with us to songs that will shape our Advent season. Today we will sing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” with the Choir of King’s College 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.

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