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 Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
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, we joyfully celebrate the day angels “harked,” shepherds ran, and Mary treasured. You have come to us and for us. For God so loved the world, he gave you—blessed Savior, Christ and Lord. We praise you for being born in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” We were a famished people—filling ourselves at empty buffets, spending money “for that which is not bread” (Isa. 55:2 ESV). But you came as the Bread of Life, and now we freely dine at the banqueting table of your welcome and grace. Our hearts are filled with unfettered gratitude.
You are the ruler of the kings of the earth, setting them up and sitting them down at your sovereign discretion. Only your kingdom is unshakable and everlasting. Of the increase of your government and peace, there will be no end.
As we celebrate your first Advent, our passion for your second Advent is intensified. Oh, for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are indeed Lord, to the glory of God the Father! Oh, for the day when every tear will be wiped away and everything sad will come untrue. Oh, for the day when all things broken will be all things new. How we long for that day! 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: Today’s Readings | Day 27 Devo | App
- She Reads Truth: Today’s Readings | Day 27 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
But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them (Luke 2:19)