Fourth Friday in Advent

The Lord Is Come!

Advent means coming or arrival. The arrival of God’s salvation for the Jews was anticipated for hundreds, really thousands, of years. Two thousand years ago, God chose a time in history when the Jewish nation was scattered and oppressed to fulfill his promises to Israel. God’s promised messenger had finally come to prepare Israel for the light that was coming to illuminate the world. We read about it in the John 1 and Luke 2.

What a story! How can we ever repay him?

For my friend Malia’s college graduation, her mom surprised her with a new violin. Unemployed at the time, Malia could do nothing to repay her mother for such a generous present. All she could do to show gratitude was honor her, thank her, show her love, and tell all her friends about her mother’s amazing kindness.

In the same way that Malia could not repay her mother, none of us can repay God for the gift of his Son. In light of God’s Christmas gift, how should we respond?

Malia’s favorite Christmas hymn, written by Charles Wesley, captures the awe-inspiring advent of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The third stanza contains an allusion from Malachi. Read the words carefully, worshipfully, and then sing them with all your heart:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King:

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled!”

Joyful all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Christ, by highest heavens adored; Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity.

Pleased as man with men to dwell; Jesus our Immanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings; risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by; born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Prayer:

O God, you have caused our night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

And his kingdom will have no end.

Advent observance: Choose the least powerful person in the room to light the Christmas candle in the center of the wreath.

Merry Christmas and Maranatha!

Photo credit: Dan Gold for Unsplash

Music: Felix Mendelssohn (d. 1847), arranged by William H. Cummings (d. 1915); lyrics by Charles Wesley (d. 1788), with revision by George Whitefield (d. 1770); United States Army Band (i.e. "Pershing's Own"), led by Thomas Rotondi, Jr. and Debra L. McGarity

We hope this Plan encouraged you.

Explore Other Resources, including Chai with Malachi (AMG), from Aspire Productions at aspire2.com