December 1
Merry Christmas FCC Family!
We hope that this Advent Reflections devotional can be a sweet addition to your December. We pray you will allow this time each day to help prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of the King!
–FCC Staff
December 1
READ: Isaiah 9:2–7
DEVOTION
Isaiah was writing these words from a divided kingdom. Political unrest, financial instability, the threat of other nations invading…This was a dark time for God’s people. The kings of Judah and Israel were not honoring God. The kings of other nations were thirsty for power and were striving to overthrow Israel, tribe by tribe.
In some ways, our world today feels weirdly similar. Division, hate, financial need…a darkness that seems to loom in many people’s world.
Advent is a season of waiting. The people of Israel were waiting for a king. One who would offer them safety. One who would push the Assyrians back and regain control of the land. One who would rule justly.
Isaiah’s words would have felt like a breath of fresh air. A promise of a coming King who would restore all things. A light that would push back the darkness! Living on this side of Jesus’ birth, we know He was that predicted King. The names of Jesus mentioned in this passage give us a glimpse of who this King truly is! I love this passage as a reminder that Jesus is so much more than a cute baby laying in a manger. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and so much more!
His Kingdom was not one that was established here on earth to overthrow the Assyrians. But rather an eternal one that was established to bring hope and healing to a world riddled with sin. He is the King we need everyday! When we look to Him and His eternal Kingdom, rather than to our current circumstances, we are filled with His peace. We are given the hope of eternity. The hope that what is dark now, will be restored. That something better is available. We do not have to keep walking in the way of the world. Rather, we can walk in the light of Christ! As we begin this season, let’s pause for a moment together and celebrate the fact that our Hope has already come to the world!
REFLECT
What areas feel dark in your life currently? Spend a few moments asking Jesus to shine His healing, restorative light in those places. Which of His names do you need to cling to this Christmas season?
PRAY
Jesus, thank You for being the King! Thank You for restoring all things and shining your light in the dark places that feel overwhelming. We know that you are bigger than all of the challenges we face. Thank You for being our Prince of Peace!