Advent Devotionals: Day 16

After listing the Old Testament faithful in chapter 11’s “Hall of Faith,” the author of Hebrews gives his final example of faith: Jesus. Jesus modeled faith, the “conviction of things unseen” (Hebrews 11:1), by looking beyond the anguish of the cross to the glory and joy that His salvific work would bring. By this, Christ became faith’s “author” and “perfector.”

The Greek word behind “author” can also mean “founder,” “pioneer,” or even “prince.” It describes one who starts a thing and continues it, who blazes a trail and leads others along it. Thus, Jesus is the “author” of faith because His faith makes ours possible. But He is also faith’s “perfector.” Jesus lived a complete, perfect life of faith, leaving us the definitive example to follow. In other words, Jesus is the best model of the life of faith.

Our faith, then, grows as we “fix our eyes” on Jesus. This should be easier at Christmastime, when so many symbols point to him (lights, trees, presents, etc.) But in my experience, Christmas can be a very distracting time. It’s easy to miss the “reason for the season.” But fixing our eyes on Jesus is essential to daily trust in and reliance on God. May we break through the Christmas distractions and focus on Jesus, Author and Perfector of faith.

Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus’ perfect example of faith. Even amidst the Christmas stress and busyness, help me to fix my eyes on Him. May His example help me trust in You and Your promises today. Amen.

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