Here we are nearing the end of Advent and heading to Christmas. Advent calls us to look at the sinfulness in our individual lives. This period of waiting changes or should change, the way we approach our lives at this time.
God defines sin as selfishness, anger, untruthfulness, and so on. These “minor” sins are as incompatible with His glory and presence as the things that most of us would say are “major” sins, such as murder, robbery, adultery. And when we choose to sin — when we choose our way instead of God’s way — we face the same consequences as Adam and Eve: physical and spiritual death and an eternal separation from God.
Jesus coming in flesh gives us a advocate to the Father. His name is Emmanuel it is written in scripture, which means God is with us.In the Advent season we celebrate the coming of the Messiah King who ushers in the reign of God. The prophets foretold that the Messiah would establish God’s kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Those who put their trust in God and in the coming of his kingdom receive the blessings of that kingdom – peace with God and strength for living his way of love, truth, and holiness (Isaiah 40). Jesus fulfills all the Messianic hopes and promises of God’s kingdom. That is why he taught his disciples to pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In his kingdom sins are not only forgiven but removed, and eternal life is poured out for all its citizens. This is not a political kingdom, but a spiritual one.
God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heartfelt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the help, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God’s promises and do you yield to his grace?
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