Advent Reflection: Dec. 3, 2017

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church

Seasonal Devotions

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11  (Today’s Readings)

The Day of the Lord, otherwise thought of as the Second Advent, is the day that God will come to judge the world. The Second Coming is something that instilled fear within me as a child. I envisioned it with fire and brimstone and quickly cast my thoughts elsewhere. But now, as an adult, I find comfort in this passage and the idea of the Second Advent. I liken myself to those who are considered to be “the children of the light,” and to one who is called to “put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” That sort of imagery doesn’t scare me; it inspires me! I like to think of myself as a warrior for God, who shares with others the joys of redemption and salvation. I now know that we are to prepare for the Second Coming just like we prepare for Christ’s birth.

Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for this time of preparation. Provide us with the tools we need to draw closer to You. Cloak us in the armor of Your love; strengthen us with Your grace; and cast us in Your saving light, both now and forevermore.  Amen.

Contributed by Brigetta P. Del Re, Elder

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Artwork: Detail of No Between © Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com. Inspired by Isaiah 64:1: “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down … .”