For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. — Isaiah 57:15

As many of us move on from Thanksgiving and into Advent, we remember the most important reason we have to be thankful: Jesus’ coming. After all, the word “Advent” means “coming,” and it is especially about God coming to earth in Jesus. God loves us so much that he didn’t want to be far away from us and just be God. In Jesus, he chose to come close to us and be one of us. God is holy and above us (Isaiah 6:1-6), but because of his kindness and grace, he became one of us in Jesus (Isaiah 57:15). In Jesus, God gave up his divine rights and lowered himself so that we could see both God’s grace and our own way to him in his greatness (Philippians 2:5-11).

 

Thought

As many of us move on from Thanksgiving and into Advent, we remember the most important reason we have to be thankful: Jesus’ coming. After all, the word “Advent” means “coming,” and it is especially about God coming to earth in Jesus. God loves us so much that he didn’t want to be far away from us and just be God. In Jesus, he chose to come close to us and be one of us. God is holy and above us (Isaiah 6:1-6), but because of his kindness and grace, he became one of us in Jesus (Isaiah 57:15). In Jesus, God gave up his divine rights and lowered himself so that we could see both God’s grace and our own way to him in his greatness (Philippians 2:5-11).

 

Prayer

Thank you, loving Father, for loving us so much that you came to live among us through Jesus. Jesus, thank you for coming to earth and showing us how to live like God. Thank you for knowing how hard it is for us to live as people in a broken world. Thank you for putting an end to death and giving us eternal life with you. Because of Jesus, Father, we will always want to tell you how much we appreciate you. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.