This Sunday is the 2nd Sunday in Advent.
As I write this, there are 23 days left until Christmas.
Sorry, I didn’t state that correctly.
THERE ARE 23 DAYS LEFT UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
The excitement in my home is very high with two school-aged kids counting down the days. They are looking forward to opening presents, baking Christmas cookies, and all of the other traditions kids cherish during this season.
What are you looking forward to this Christmas?
It’s been a tough year, and I bet this Christmas season presents new challenges alongside the blessings. I encourage each one of us to choose one event or tradition to look forward to. Keep your eyes focused on the good in the midst of the challenges of the year.
One thing we can all look forward to this year? Celebrating the coming of our Savior.
Last Sunday we explored the titles of Christ and Messiah in relationship to Jesus. This Sunday we will study a new title: Jesus as Savior. The name Jesus means “God saves.” What does Jesus save us from? And why do we need saving? These are questions that we will explore on Sunday.
For now, I want you to reflect on a verse from the book of Acts. Paul is invited to preach on the Sabbath in the town of Pisidian Antioch. Paul decided to preach on…the entirety of Jewish history.
Talk about a long sermon!
Paul began by discussing the Israelites journey away from slavery in Egypt. He continued with their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and their movement to the Promised Land. He persisted through the time of the judges and of the prophets. Finally, with his sermon reaching a crescendo, Paul states,
“From David’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.
-Acts 13:23
The entire sermon had been building to this point. This verse is the climax. It is the culmination of all the previously discussed history.
Paul’s sermon was meant to convey one thing and one thing only: Jesus is the long awaited Savior of God’s people.
From the time of slavery to the time of the kings, God’s people have been waiting for a Savior. They have been anticipating salvation. Paul speaks at length about how Jesus is the long awaited Savior (Want to know more? Read all of Acts 13. It is an excellent chapter of Scripture!)
A week later, Paul once again enters the synagogue on the Sabbath. But this time, “…almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” (Acts 13:44)
It must have been a convincing sermon.
This season, we anticipate that coming of Jesus as our Savior. As we count down the days until Christmas, meditate on this incredible truth.
Today at 4 pm our Incarnation Bible Study begins. You can join us at this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89649464082.
See you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
