Listen:
In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)
Reflect:
The other day I attended a Zoom wedding. It was gratifying to see my friend get married again after a difficult divorce several years ago. She radiated such happiness as a bride-at the mature age of 62, no less! As I watched, my mind drifted to our phone call two months ago. “Ruth,” she gushed. “I’ve met someone! He’s just wonderful!” And she could not say enough admirable things about her man. Now that’s first love.
As Christians, we also have a most commendable bridegroom. Philippians says to “revere Christ as Lord,” which means to honor and respect him, but other synonyms for revere include “admire,” “cherish,” and “adore.” True reverence continually stokes the flames of ardent first love. And adoration is what finds us always prepared, eager to share our faith.
This Advent, let us spend much time revering the Christ child in our hearts and the meaning of His coming. Ultimately, the Good News of Christmas is that God has invited us to a wedding to celebrate the most beautiful love story of all-our union with Him. Oh, how deep, intimate, and passionate is His love for each one of us! His love is the hope that you and I carry in our hearts, the comfort in all our troubles. Such joyous news is surely cause to “Go Tell it on the Mountains!”
Prayer of Response:
“Lord, when we think of you coming to earth because of how much you cherish us, we cannot help but fall to our knees and worship.
—Submitted by Ruth Wood
Ruth is a US/Swiss citizen and lives with her husband in Oregon. They have two grown sons and one very spoiled grand cat. She works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and loves blogging at EspressoForTheHeart.org.
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