Read
Revelation 22:12-13, 20 – 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end…” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
2 Timothy 4:1-8 – 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
PONDER
Consider Jesus.
- He is the King who has appeared to us.
- He is the King who is coming again.
- He is the beginning and end, the Maker of heaven and earth. He upholds the universe by the word of His power.
- He is the righteous judge, and He will judge the living and the dead.
Jesus followers long for this King. Jesus followers love His appearing.
PRAY
- Father, you are all-powerful. Your kingdom will never end. All that you do is good.
- Father, help us to love your appearing more than the fleeting pleasures of the present world.
- Father, we long to be with you, for all to be made new. Come, Lord Jesus!
- Father, this Advent season, we remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth. Thank you that He came to save us from our sins.
- Father, this Advent season, we anticipate Christ’s return. Help us be attentive to set our gaze forward and to long for the fullness of our salvation that lies ahead.
- Father, prepare me to gather with my church and worship you. You are worthy! To you be the glory!
Sing: Listen to this week’s songs on Spotify
PRactice
Gather! 9:30am or 11:00am. Purpose your heart to read, pray, sing, and give as a means to worship King Jesus and spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ.
This Sunday we will take the Lord’s Supper to remember and rejoice in Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. Take a moment before the gathering to prepare your heart to partake of the bread and the cup by confessing sin in your life. If you have children, have a conversation with them about the elements they will see in the gathering. Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-29 together. If your children are not believers, explain why they should not yet partake in the Lord’s Supper. If your children are believers, use this as an opportunity to praise God for his work in their lives.
Throughout Advent, consider how your money reflects your priorities and values. We give as a sacrificial act of worship to the Lord who has given us all things. This Christmas, make your largest gift a kingdom gift through Christmas Give.