City Church Advent Devotional City Church Tallahassee

 































DAY 25 | CHRISTMAS DAYScripture Reading: Daniel 7:14; Rev 19:6-8


“He was given dominion,
and glory, and a kingdom;
so that those of every people,
nation, and language
should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.”

— Daniel 7:14



“Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns!
7 Let us be glad, rejoice, and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has prepared herself.
8 She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.”

— Revelation 19:6-8

 The Birth & Eternal Reign of the King
Merry Christmas...the day is here!  The beginning of a kingdom, a kingdom that has no end.  Christmas Day is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also the celebration of the beginning of his everlasting dominion.  All throughout this advent season we have reflected on what the Bible has had to say about the baby born on that day so many years ago. The baby who grew up in Nazareth, who preached the good news of the Kingdom of God, who died on a cross as an atonement for sin, and who three days later rose again conquering death itself.  The same man who rose into heaven, will return again to judge the living and the dead and gave us his followers the task of telling the world about it.
Many songs have been written about love.  However, one of my favorites is Psalm 118. It reminds us that the greatest form of love is not a temporary love that ends with death, but an everlasting love that defines eternity. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever!”
That is a heady thought.  Anything that last forever is hard to grasp, let alone love. Yet here we are, 2000 years later, celebrating that love with millennia of believers.  And we take todays next step in the anticipation of another moment to come. The moment that also will last for an eternity.  When we will see our savior face to face. So, today let’s remember that this really is the first day of the rest of our lives.  Our lives in Jesus. Amen.
 
Reflection Questions:
1.     How are you investing in the Christ’s eternal kingdom?  Are you living for your own temporary domain or for the “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away”?
2.     What is the most intense moment of love that you can remember?  How does love change as it lasts for a longer and longer time?
3.     Have you ever wondered what it would sound like to hear all of heaven singing “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” in Rev. 19? Listen to Handel's Messiah below to hear what he thought it would sound like.
 
Family Activity:
Handel's Messiah
 
 
Reflect and consider, as Handel did when writing 'the Messiah', how the sound of that great multitude singing “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” will sound like.  How awesome would it be to be part of that choir!
 
 

 



























DAY 24 | CHRISTMAS EVEScripture Reading: Luke 1:35; Luke 3:21-22; Heb 4:14-16






“35 The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

— Luke 1:35



“21 When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.””

— Luke 3:21-22



“14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”

— Hebrews 4:14-16

The Future of Christ –Anticipation - Salvation & Return
“Are we there yet?,” is the question that every child asks on a long trip. “Can’t we open just one present?,” is the question that every kid seems to ask on Christmas Eve.  It is easy to see why Christmas Eve is the one day of the year when anticipation overflows many hearts.
There is much to look forward to including  presents, family dinners and the chance to sit back and relax. However, is it really presents and family dinners we need to be looking forward to, or something more?
This passage in Luke 2 is centered on the theme of anticipation and fulfillment.  The first sense of anticipation begins not with Simeon but with God the Father.  Many centuries earlier, God had given his people in Israel the Law through Moses and instructed them to bring their firstborn sons to present them before the Lord and to offer a sacrifice.  When God gave this law, he already knew that one day it would be His Son that would be brought to the temple.  The obedience Joseph and Mary showed by taking their new baby boy to the temple in Jerusalem was the fulfillment of this anticipatory law.
Likewise, Simeon had learned by the Holy Spirit that he was to see the Lord’s Christ (anointed) in his lifetime, and that this baby was to be God’s salvation to man.  Simeon was very old and perhaps had been waiting many years for the fulfillment of this promise. The blessing he shared gave Joseph and Mary a marvelous sense of wonder to hear that Jesus was to be the way of salvation.  Yet, they could not have foreseen how eternally significant that promise was to be, for not even death would be able to hold the Son of God. 
As followers of Christ, we should hold the feeling of anticipation close to our hearts, just as Mary did. It’s Christmas Eve and anticipation is in the air! As we look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, let’s reflect also on the wonder and joy that awaits us upon his return. Anticipate the return of Jesus! A baby no more.  A dead man on a cross no more, but our glorified Lord returned to judge the living and the dead, to give us the present of his presence and to gather the church for the most glorious family dinner of all time. Let the anticipation of Christmas morning fill your heart with excitement and yet lift your gaze beyond it, towards the long anticipated hope of Christ’s second coming. Come quickly Lord Jesus!   
 
Reflection Questions:
1.     What do you look forward to seeing in your own lifetime?
2.     How does the knowledge of the imminent return of Jesus change the way you live? Does the thought of God planning and anticipating the moment of Jesus’ birth chan

 



























DAY 23 | HOW OLD IS JESUS?Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14






“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

— John 1: 1-14

Have you ever wondered how old Jesus was? It’s a trick question. To answer we have to start ‘in the beginning’ (vs.1-2). Long before Christmas trees, Santa Claus, elves, and mocha peppermint lattes, there was the birth of Jesus Christ, in a sleepy little town called Bethlehem. But, that was not the beginning for Jesus was it? No, we’ve got to go further back into ancient history. Way back, before the virgin birth, before the Christmas star, the shepherds, the wise men; before Moses, Abraham, Adam or Eve; even before the creation of the universe itself, there was Jesus, the Son of God eternally existing as the second person of the Trinity (John 8:58).
The first time I heard that, it blew my mind. I hope it blows yours too! I had no category this. I thought, “Christians believe that before Jesus was born was born of Mary, the divine person of Jesus, the Son of God, eternally existed?” It’s true! You see, when you and I were born, we were new people. But when Jesus was born, it was the long-awaited arrival of the eternally existent Word of God (Micah 5:2).
Not only did Jesus always exist, but, “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:3) So what does all this mean for us this Christmas season? Two things: Comfort and awe!
First, allow yourself to be comforted, knowing that although you may not sense God in the midst of whatever difficulty or stress you are facing this season, Jesus, the eternally existent, resurrected, sovereign sustainer of all things, is there with you every step of the way (Col. 1:17). Trust in Jesus, and let the light of Christ shine into the darkest corners of your heart and life.
Second, allow your mind to be blown. Let your heart be moved to worship God. Our great Creator loves us so much. He entered His creation, taking on our humanity, to die on the cross for our sins. There is a glorious mystery about Jesus that is too grand to comprehend, but can beckon you and I to a worshipful sense of awe.
As we anticipate Christmas Day, take some time to remember that though we rightly celebrate Jesus’ coming to the world, he was there “in the beginning.” Stand before the glorious night sky of the Son of God’s eternal existence and worship Him with all that you are.
Reflection Questions:
1.    If you have kids, see if any of them can answer the trick question, ‘How old is Jesus’?  (How would you answer that?)
2.    What struggle are you facing that is hindering you

 



























DAY 22 | MESSIAH RESURRECTEDScripture Reading: Luke 24:4-8; Psalms 16:8-11, 110:1; Acts 2:25-28; Job 19:25; Hosea 6:2






“While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.”

— Luke 24:4-8



“I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
11 You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.”

— Psalm 16:8-11



“This is the declaration of the Lord to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.””

— Psalm 110:1



“For David says of him:
I saw the Lord ever before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me in Hades or allow your holy one to see decay.
28 You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence.”

— Acts 2:25-28



“But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust.”

— Job 19:25



“He will revive us after two days,
and on the third day he will raise us up
so we can live in his presence.”

— Hosea 6:2

 
Imagine the defining moment of your life. That event that changed you, redirected you, set the course of your life. Write it down. 
What is Jesus’ defining moment, that single act that fulfilled all that God sent him to do? His birth?  Certainly, he was born divine, miraculously. It proved he was God.  But then he lived as a man. Pain, sorrow, hardship.  He experienced it all, everything that we feel. So, what was the moment that changed history?  Was it his healings, preaching, or miracles? No, the single event in his life that changed human destiny was the sacrifice, His crucifixion. Then came the proof, his Resurrection! 
His crucifixion was the battle, his resurrection was the victory.  “He is not here; he has risen!” was the declaration from God, spoken by angels. These words rocked earth’s very foundation.  Mankind was reunited with God. History pivoted in a new direction. Conquering death, Jesus enabled you to conquer death.
Imagine the pit of hopelessness you would be trapped in if not for this event which changed the course of your very life. Forgiveness. Freedom. Eternal life! Despair turns to Celebration. Hallelujah!
 
Pray:
“This season, Jesus, we pray that everyone celebrating your birth, will also understand your destiny.  Not simply your death, but your sacrifice and resurrection.  The conquering moment they can have as their own.”   

 



























DAY 21 | MESSIAH SACRIFICEDScripture Reading: John 3:16, Psalm 22






“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

— John 3:16



“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?
2 My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest.
3 But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in you; they trusted, and you rescued them.
5 They cried to you and were set free; they trusted in you and were not disgraced.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people.
7 Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads:
8 “He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.”
9 It was you who brought me out of the womb, making me secure at my mother’s breast.
10 I was given over to you at birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.
11 Don’t be far from me, because distress is near and there’s no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me; strong ones of Bashan encircle me.
13 They open their mouths against me— lions, mauling and roaring.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me.
15 My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has closed in on me; they pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me.
18 They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, Lord, don’t be far away. My strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Rescue my life from the sword, my only life from the power of these dogs.
21 Save me from the lion’s mouth, from the horns of wild oxen. You answered me!
22 I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the assembly.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! All you descendants of Israel, revere him!
24 For he has not despised or abhorred the torment of the oppressed. He did not hide his face from him but listened when he cried to him for help.
25 I will give praise in the great assembly because of you; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear you.
26 The humble will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him. May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord. All the families of the nations will bow down before you,
28 for kingship belongs to the Lord; he rules the nations.
29 All who prosper on earth will eat and bow down; all those who go down to the dust will kneel before him— even the one who cannot preserve his life.
30 Their descendants will serve him; the next generation will be told about the Lord.
31 They will come and declare his righteousness; to a people yet to be born they will declare what he has done.”

— Psalm 22

John 3:16 is the essence of the Gospel, and perhaps the best-known verse in the entire Bible.  Unfortunately, John 3:16 has become so commonplace in popular culture that the verse, for many people, has lost its potency; Psalm 22 helps us to again understand the power behind John 3:16. 
 
Across history, many Christians have interpreted Psalm 22 as a direct prediction and description of Jesus’ suffering on the cross, as Jesus was mocked and scorned during the crucifixion, and even cried out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46, Psalm 22:1).  Imagine Jesus Christ, Holy God in human form, suffering in the way the Psalmist suffers in Psalm

 



























DAY 20 | MESSIAH REJECTEDScripture Reading: Luke 20:17-18; Psalms 118:22-24






“But he looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?
18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will shatter him.””

— Luke 20:17-18



“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
23 This came from the Lord;
it is wondrous in our sight.
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

— Psalm 118:22-24

What a tragedy it is that so many rejected this sweet and glorious Christ—the Exalted Cornerstone of the universe! As He walked the way to Golgotha, “the builders” were those who rejoiced in his execution and sought to end his life. They were those who refused to acknowledge his claims to be Messiah, the Bread of Life, and the all-satisfying Savior from sin.
Today’s “builders” reject this cornerstone—God incarnate—by declaring with their words and with their deeds that Christ is not who He claims to be. They reject Him every time they find the things of this world more marvelous than Christ. They reject Him by not rejoicing in the day of the Lord, and by not finding His triumph over sin and death to be the greatest, most glorious occasion in all of history. And they reject him when they refuse to acknowledge that salvation is “The Lord’s doing” and not the work of man’s efforts to be righteous before God.
Indeed, everyone who rejects this cornerstone—the Preeminent One, Christ Jesus Himself—will endure the furious wrath of Almighty God. On their day of reckoning, they will be crushed and broken to pieces by Lion of the Tribe of Judah, because they did not accept his sacrifice as the Lamb that was slain. That may not be a warm and fuzzy thought for the Christmas season, but it is biblical truth undergirding the incarnation of Christ. Trust in Jesus and let us rejoice and be glad in the day of His birth.
               
Reflection Questions:
What do I find to be more “marvelous” than Christ, and causes my eyes to drift from him?
What “builder” do I know that refuses to acknowledge the worth of Christ?
“All Glory be to Christ”—Sovereign Grace Music
 
Pray:
Let this Savior be my Savior, my Ruler. Let my soul prosper and be in health, in that peace and righteousness which His kingdom brings. Let me have victory over the lusts that war against my soul; and let Divine grace subdue my heart.