Advent Devotion, December 22, 2014
Reading:  Revelation 3: 20-22
Written by:  Russ Hauck

This is a well-known bible passage, partly because it lends itself to a very simple graphic representation.  And, there have been many paintings that depict Jesus standing at a door and knocking.  Something strange that these paintings have in common is that many of them show Jesus knocking at a door that has no door knob or handle!  The implication is that the door must be opened not by Jesus, but by the individual on the other side.  In other words, these artists are implying that those who will accept salvation must decide to “open the door” and let Jesus in.

But we can – and should - understand this passage by reading it much more simply as Jesus has come to us – is with us – all of us.  Jesus is Immanuel “God with us.”  The consistent promise is that God is with us always, not just when we decide to let Him in.  And, that is the greatest comfort.  

Prayer:          Immanuel, Immanuel

God incarnate, here to dwell
Immanuel, Immanuel
Praise His name Immanuel!