Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
We should be encouraging each other through worshipping God, keeping each other faithful, and praying together. And Christ will empower us by the Holy Spirit.
that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27, ESV
We join in Christ’s suffering, and we share in His resurrection. May we encourage each other as we await His return, praying for each other and loving each other in Christ’s love.
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.“
John 3:28-29, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Jesus came to live amongst us, and His true followers look to Him.
True followers of Jesus rejoice to hear Him and to point others toward Him.
People may scoff, and they may even claim we think of ourselves as high and mighty and christs ourselves.
Yet, God came to us, showing us He is the source of all goodness and power, saving His Bride – the Church – from her sin.
Jesus has saved His people, and we will want to show the world who He is.
The world may think we want to be their saviors, but we know He is the rightful King and Savior.
Our refutation is not done the same way as the world.
Yes, we deny ourselves and point to Christ, but we do it by pointing to the Scriptures that reveal His deity and works.
We remember and proclaim the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming, His death and resurrection, and that He is coming again for His Bride.
May we seek the Lord who saves us and is coming again to claim His Bride.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17, ESV
As we live in this world, we will be encumbered and afflicted with worries, anxieties, and fears.
But our God can and does save us, giving us strength and joy in the midst of evil and suffering. Lean on Him.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!