Week 1: Day 6

Dec 6, 2024

Scripture: Isaiah 53:7-12; Jeremiah 31:1-4

The coming of Jesus changes everything. He came, not only to be with us, he also came for us. Because only through him only could we ever be rescued. Through him only could we ever be rebuilt. For thousands of years God gave the Israelites hints of a Savior. Promises, whispered and trumpeted, that there was a plan.

The coming of Jesus changes everything. He was willing and able to step into what we destroyed with our own two hands. He was the One, the Holy, who could put it all back together again. No matter how great the damage or how deep the wounds, his rescue is greater still. No matter how patiently or impatiently you have waited, or how deeply you believe. His rescue is greater than us and beyond us and for us. You have not been left in your rubble.

The story of Christmas is the story of the world being rebuilt. The child came to be with you and the child came for you. He is your grace in the wilderness, your rest in a faraway place. He loves you with an everlasting love. And He, only He, can build you up. Oh yes, the words of old are still true today: You shall be built.

Prayer:

For your mercies' sake, O Lord my God, tell me what you are to me.

Say to my soul: "I am your salvation." So speak that I may hear, O Lord.

My heart is listening; open it that it may hear you, and say to my soul:

"I am your salvation."

After hearing this word, may I come in haste to take hold of you.

Hide not your face from me.

Let me see your face even if I die, lest I die with longing to see it.

The house of my soul is too small to receive you; let it be enlarged by you.

It is all in ruins; do you repair it.

There are things in it - I confess and I know - that must offend your sight.

But who shall cleanse it? Or to what others besides you shall I cry out?