Advent Devotional - December 5

DECEMBER 5 – Genesis 28: 10-17

By: Dennis McClellan

The story isn’t new. It’s as old as time: a man on the run (in the Genesis story, Jacob), trying to get from one situation (in Beersheba) and running toward another (in Herran), unsure of the outcome, but surely in need of a sign.

It’s sort of like Advent. We’re moving from life and its everyday challenges (a fair number of them negative), through Advent, converging on a sign from God. God is preparing us for a journey from everyday existence toward the exciting birth of Jesus – the sign that life has changed for us. We have the opportunity to experience a change of heart (like Jacob did along the road from Beersheba to Harran) and begin a life renewed.

We’re not there yet. It’s going to happen soon. The anticipation is building. God is entering our lives in a new way – through the birth of his earthly son. God is not distant from us. His promise of renewed life is almost here. The birth of the baby Jesus gives us all – no matter how we live our everyday lives – an opportunity to experience a change of heart. As Jacob said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

I for one am looking forward to it.

Prayer

As this day began, I wondered where I’d be when the sun finally sat…What road(s) I would travel and what challenges would confront me. Perhaps I think too much, and need to understand, that while I have choice, God is with me on my daily passage. Allow me to appreciate the trip, and believe that at the end of the journey, something good will have happened to me and those I met along the way. Thank you, Jesus for being there for me at the end of the day, at the end of the journey. Let me appreciate the promise that exists at the end of all my journeys – and come to understand the promise and love that the journey of Advent brings for all of us. Help me to stay aware of the simplicity of the journey, and remember that journeys can and should be celebrated. Help me to remember what I am truly celebrating and allow my heart and mouth to say, “Come Lord Jesus.” AMEN.

Family Moment

Jacob was Abraham’s grandson. He dreamed of God’s angels walking up and down on a ladder between heaven and earth. God spoke to Jacob in the dream. God promised to give him land to live on and many children so that the family would grow so large that it would spread over the earth. God
promised to always be with them. What a wonderful promise and blessing! Make a list of the ways God has blessed your family.