Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?
Call to Prayer
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2)
Prayer of Confession
Confession is formative. It trains us to recognize the ways our hearts have become de-formed and how Christ is at work bringing redemption in our lives. Pray with this in mind.
Dear Lord Jesus, your manger was a veritable garden of grace, for there the Father planted you as the tender shoot of Isaiah’s vision. Hallelujah, you are the root of life that has broken through the dry ground of our fallen world and hearts. I am truly in awe this morning at the sacrificial tenderness of your incarnation.
You created beauty, yet you became the one with “no beauty,” for us. You took the vileness and ugliness of my sin, that I might become pure and beautiful in you. O holy, merciful mystery! Though you have always enjoyed the delight of the Godhead, you became the despised one, the rejected one, for us, for me. What wondrous love is this, indeed?
May your tenderness grow in my heart and be real to my family. In your beautiful and grace-full name I pray. Amen.
Take a moment to confess your sins, knowing that he hears you.
Advent Reading Plan
During Advent this year we are using the He Reads Truth and She Reads Truth Advent Devos. Readings in this plan will cover the whole of Scripture and directly point us to Christ. We will resume our OPC|M Daily Reading Plan on December 26.
- He Reads Truth: Sunday’s Reading | Today’s Readings | Day 23 Devo | App
- She Reads Truth: Sunday’s Reading | Today’s Readings | Day 23 Devo | App
Sermon Series Devo
This section of the Devo focuses on the passage(s) for Sunday’s sermon. Go ahead and read the following passage(s) and use theParables Reading Plan + Study Guide to journal what stands out and what you have questions about in the passages. Below is a helpful commentary that can help to fill in the gaps.
We are currently on a break from our normal devotional rhythm for the season of Advent. We recommend using the Advent Readings above during this time.
Evening Prayer of Examen
- Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
- Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
- Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.
Benediction
Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you (Psalm 116:7)
