Advent Week Four
December 22-25, 2024
God's greatest act of love is sending His Son to redeem us. In Jesus, we see God's love for the world as He came to save His people from their sins.
Christmas Carol: "Oh Holy Night" by Placide Cappeau
Candle Lighting: The Candle of Love represents the unconditional love of God revealed through the birth of Jesus. It symbolizes the call to love one another and to embody Christ’s love in our lives. Lighting the Candle of Love encourages us to reflect on the significance of love in our relationships and to celebrate the ultimate expression of love that Christ’s coming brings to the world.
Devotional - Sunday
Luke begins the story of Jesus' ministry with a visit to the synagogue in Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up. Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He spent most of His life in Nazareth, a small Galilean town with around 500 people. The people in the synagogue likely knew Jesus well since He attended regularly until about age 30.
On that day, as Jesus stood to read, an attendant handed Him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. With everyone’s attention on Him, Jesus read from Isaiah 61—a passage describing “the servant of the Lord,” whom we recognize as the Messiah. After reading, He sat down to explain the text's meaning.
“Today,” He said, “this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Wait a minute! Did Jesus just claim that these words were about Him and that they were coming true right then and there? This statement was significant because it pointed to the purpose of His ministry. Later, when John the Baptist questioned Jesus’ identity, Jesus referred back to these words to confirm that He was indeed the Messiah.
The people in the synagogue responded politely to Jesus’ powerful words. However, despite their familiarity with Him from Nazareth, they found it hard to believe that He could be the Messiah, partly because they knew His family background, especially that He was the son of Joseph.
This struggle to understand the true nature of the Messiah remains relevant today, as many still overlook Him despite clear signs.
To make His point, Jesus shared examples from Israel’s history. He mentioned how God chose to bless a non-Jewish widow during Elijah's time and healed Naaman, a Gentile, of leprosy while many Jews were not.
What was Jesus saying? Simply put, when people reject God’s message, those blessings may be extended to others instead.
As He preached, Jesus urged His hometown to embrace what God was offering through Him, warning that the opportunity could be given to others, even those outside their community. He emphasized that God's blessings aren't meant for just one group; they’re for everyone—Jews and non-Jews alike.
While the people felt hopeful about a Messiah who would bring good news and healing, they were shocked when Jesus declared again, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The well-known Christian author Philip Yancey reflects on how we perceive the world. He points out that animals see things we can’t—like bats using sonar to find insects or bloodhounds detecting scents we’d miss. Similarly, spiritual understanding requires a unique kind of awakening. Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above,” and Paul later noted that those not spiritually awakened often find it foolish to believe what God reveals.
These statements suggest that deeper understanding is available to those who are spiritually aware.
The people in Nazareth that day simply couldn’t see what God was doing through Jesus. They did not allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to the profound spiritual reality right in front of them.
Scripture Reading
Prophecy: John 3:16-17
Fulfilled: Matthew 1:21
Reflection:
Christmas can be a lonely time for many, and ironically, a period when people feel stressed and unloved. Spend some time thinking of someone you know whom you could show love to this Christmas season. Ask God to draw near to them this Christmas and to show you how to bless them.
Write something you love about that person. Offer encouraging words. Give it to them so they can hang it on their tree or keep it as encouragement.
On that day, as Jesus stood to read, an attendant handed Him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. With everyone’s attention on Him, Jesus read from Isaiah 61—a passage describing “the servant of the Lord,” whom we recognize as the Messiah. After reading, He sat down to explain the text's meaning.
“Today,” He said, “this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Wait a minute! Did Jesus just claim that these words were about Him and that they were coming true right then and there? This statement was significant because it pointed to the purpose of His ministry. Later, when John the Baptist questioned Jesus’ identity, Jesus referred back to these words to confirm that He was indeed the Messiah.
The people in the synagogue responded politely to Jesus’ powerful words. However, despite their familiarity with Him from Nazareth, they found it hard to believe that He could be the Messiah, partly because they knew His family background, especially that He was the son of Joseph.
This struggle to understand the true nature of the Messiah remains relevant today, as many still overlook Him despite clear signs.
To make His point, Jesus shared examples from Israel’s history. He mentioned how God chose to bless a non-Jewish widow during Elijah's time and healed Naaman, a Gentile, of leprosy while many Jews were not.
What was Jesus saying? Simply put, when people reject God’s message, those blessings may be extended to others instead.
As He preached, Jesus urged His hometown to embrace what God was offering through Him, warning that the opportunity could be given to others, even those outside their community. He emphasized that God's blessings aren't meant for just one group; they’re for everyone—Jews and non-Jews alike.
While the people felt hopeful about a Messiah who would bring good news and healing, they were shocked when Jesus declared again, “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The well-known Christian author Philip Yancey reflects on how we perceive the world. He points out that animals see things we can’t—like bats using sonar to find insects or bloodhounds detecting scents we’d miss. Similarly, spiritual understanding requires a unique kind of awakening. Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above,” and Paul later noted that those not spiritually awakened often find it foolish to believe what God reveals.
These statements suggest that deeper understanding is available to those who are spiritually aware.
The people in Nazareth that day simply couldn’t see what God was doing through Jesus. They did not allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to the profound spiritual reality right in front of them.
Scripture Reading
Prophecy: John 3:16-17
Fulfilled: Matthew 1:21
Reflection:
Christmas can be a lonely time for many, and ironically, a period when people feel stressed and unloved. Spend some time thinking of someone you know whom you could show love to this Christmas season. Ask God to draw near to them this Christmas and to show you how to bless them.
Write something you love about that person. Offer encouraging words. Give it to them so they can hang it on their tree or keep it as encouragement.
Day One - Monday
Reflect on the depth of God's love and joy in His desire to save and protect us, celebrating the promise that He delights in us as His beloved children, sent to bring salvation to the world.
Prophecy: Zephaniah 3:17
Fulfilled: John 3:16-17
Prophecy: Zephaniah 3:17
Fulfilled: John 3:16-17
Day Two - Tuesday
Focus on the joy and fullness of life found in God's presence, as He reveals the path of life and offers us the deep joy that comes from abiding in Christ.
Prophecy: Psalm 16:11
Fulfilled: John 15:11
Prophecy: Psalm 16:11
Fulfilled: John 15:11
Day Three - Wednesday (Christmas Day)
Meditate on the promise of ultimate joy and the end of sorrow, as God's people are redeemed and comforted, anticipating the new creation where every tear is wiped away.
Prophecy: Isaiah 35:10
Fulfilled: Revelation 21:4
Prophecy: Isaiah 35:10
Fulfilled: Revelation 21:4
If you have questions or find yourself feeling stuck, that’s completely okay—this is all part of the journey! Remember, your BridgePoint Campus Teams are here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions by emailing contact@bridgepointfl.com.