Tuesday November 29, 2022

Today is Tuesday, November 29 and we are continuing our journey through the Advent season together.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27

Out of the dark, rich soil of the earth, God formed the first humans. He breathed into them his breath of life, planted them in the Garden, and invited them to enjoy it. He invited them to inhabit and care for Eden in coordination, cooperation, and community with Him.

Today we consider that when Jesus was born into the world, he entered as one of us–created in the image of God to bring about the new creation in coordination, cooperation, and community with God the Father. For Jesus, the reality and memory of the Garden set his vision for the future of the world. From that reality and memory, he set out on his work of serving, loving, living, dying, and rising. Jesus shows us what it is to be fully alive. He shows us the way of fully embodying the image of God–rooted in service and love to all.

John 3:16 describes Jesus as God’s “one and only Son” given out of God’s love for the world. Jesus was the beloved child of God here for a purpose. This Advent season, may we not lose sight that we, too, are beloved sons and daughters of God here for a purpose, enabled by the breath of God within us.

Ask
How often do you consider the miracle of your own birth? How does Jesus call you to remember that fact? What do you think God the Father loves about you? How does Jesus model fullness of life for us? How do you sense God calling you to serve and love others?

Creator God, how amazing are your thoughts concerning me. You formed me out of your delight–from dust and breath divine. You say I’m precious in Your sight–wholly Yours, I am Your child! In Jesus you show me the way of abundant life and open the door of this life to me. I stand in awe of your care for me today. Praying in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen and sing along with us to songs that will shape our Advent season. Today we will sing “Formed” by Dylan and Larisa Peacock which you can find 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.