The Way Revealed (Advent Devotion) - Tuesday, December 4
Jesus said to him: I am the way (John 14:6a ESV)
Each year our preschool children retell the story of the birth of Jesus our Savior. The three- and four-year-olds dress up as angels, shepherds, Joseph, and Mary. Luke's account of the first Christmas is read by me, interspersed with preschool voices. About 100 gathered to hear this great story as told in words and songs.
Last year, I asked the following question: Do you ever wonder about the way that you are going? Put another way, are you willing to hear the words that our children shared tonight and to place your faith, your hope in Jesus as your LORD and Savior?
The ways of Creator God are often hidden. God's ways are hidden from those who stubbornly want to do things their way. Does this sound familiar as most kids demand to do things 'their way?'
And yet God's ways are hidden in plain sight. God's ways are hidden in the birth of a baby in a little town of Bethlehem. Hidden in a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hidden in the cross of Calvary. Hidden in the tomb for a mere couple of days.
God's ways are hidden in His blessings that He offers throughout the year. God's ways are hidden in the water of Holy Baptism; hidden in the words of absolution; hidden in the bread and the wine of the Lord's Supper. All these ways are hidden and yet revealed in God's House!
God's ways are revealed through the words of Gabriel: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV) Jesus provides the way, the only way, to life everlasting. God's way to life, now and always, was revealed as through these preschool angels, shepherds, Joseph, and Mary and received through faith in Jesus!
Dear Creator God, thank you for revealing your love through the story of the birth of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior. May your Spirit open ears to hear and hearts to receive this Christmas gift through the blessing of faith. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.