Cherish the Advent预览

The following devotion is written from the perspective of Queen Esther, who risked her life to approach King Xerxes to save her people from imminent doom.

A lot of meaning can transpire in a few short moments. A single gesture can say a lot: a step into the throne room, a pointing of the scepter.

Xerxes, the king who became my husband, the king I approached to save the Jews from imminent doom, was unapproachable.

His position as king was untouchable. To enter his court and approach the throne without invitation was a life-and-death decision.

I could have lost my life when I went into the throne room to plead for my people. In a single moment, my fate could have been decided.

Live or die.

Exclusion or embrace. I would please the king or annoy him.

It was a loaded moment.

You know the rest of the story. My people were saved. I was vindicated. The positive outcome proved that my wager to approach him was well worth the risk.

There is another King, far greater than Xerxes, who we can approach without fear.

Before I approached Xerxes, I had to fast for days to prepare my heart. And I was his chosen wife! And he was only a man.

How much more serious is it to approach the Creator of the universe? That we can do so without fear is the most astonishing thing. And Jesus made the way.

That’s what I marvel at this Christmas.

Jesus was born into the world as a baby, born into this world to save us all so he could show us the face of God.

The King of Kings came to us! How shocking!

Advent means we can approach the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and go to his throne of grace with confidence that he will show kindness to us.

At any moment on any day with any need.

Today, take a moment to light a candle for Advent, the candle of Joy. It is a joy to approach God with boldness. Let’s do so this Advent season and every season. Amen.