Advent Devotional

Psalm 24:1-5

"The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord And righteousness from the God of his salvation."

This Psalm of David praises the Lord because everything in the world belongs to Him.  David reflected on bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-Edom to Jerusalem.   He acknowledged the Lord as sovereign over all things.  He pondered the significance of the presence of this sovereign Lord living in the city of Jerusalem.  He asked the question, “Who can stand in His holy presence?”  The answer is only those with clean hands, (right actions), a pure heart (right attitude and will), and who have not bowed in worship of false gods (right worship). Only true worshipers that are walking in faith and integrity can come into His presence.    

At the first Advent, God the Son came to live with us.  The Child born in a stable was God and worthy of worship.  The shepherds came on the night of His birth to see him and went away worshipping God.  The Magi came some time later and bowed before the Christ Child worshipping Him and giving him gifts.  As we celebrate Christmas this year, may it be a time of worship.  Let us come with clean hands (right actions) and a pure heart (right attitude and will) to celebrate God coming to live among us.

For Reflection & Discussion: What amazes you the most about the fact that – through Christ – we can stand in God’s presence?  

Prayer: Father, we thank You for sending Your Son to live among us.  As we celebrate and worship You during this Christmas Season, may we recognize that You are with us each moment of the day. Thank You for allowing us to live in Your presence.  Amen.
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