Day 1: Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. John 15:5
Happy New Year!
Today, the first Sunday in Advent, is the beginning of a new church year. And just as the celebration of a new calendar year brings with it reflections of the past year and resolutions for the future, so Advent is both a time of reflection and resolve. During Advent, we reflect on the promises of God to bring us a Savior — as a baby born in Bethlehem and a returning conqueror to bring us Home. Advent also reminds us that our preparations for Christmas ought to involve more than shopping, decorating, and baking. Advent invites us to dig deeper, to prepare our hearts as well as our home. It is time for us to make a New Year’s resolution — to spend more time with Jesus!
Jesus promises us, “If you abide in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Instead of the fear, worry, bitterness, and despair we are too often filled with, Jesus promises that when we spend time with Him, He will produce in us peace and patience and love and joy. As we participate in worship services, take communion, and study the Bible, He will fill us with his Holy Spirit and strengthen our faith. He will grow in us kindness and goodness and self-control, making us to be clearer reflections of him and enabling us to better serve our neighbor.
So this Advent we will be posting a daily devotion reflecting on one of God’s promises to us, His children. We will also post companion Bible readings so that you can spend some time each day abiding in Jesus. If you don’t already have a practice of daily devotions, we invite you to spend 5 to 15 minutes per day in this special Advent activity.
Bible readings: John 15 and Galatians 5:16-26
Immanuel Lutheran Church 