17 Dec Advent Genealogy (Mt 1:1) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” ~ Mt 1:1 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: The Gospel reading today is the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This long list of names might be fascinating to some, but it reminds me of reading the phone book. Why would God start the New Testament this way? I believe that He wanted to illustrate to us how He chose to work through many people and circumstances to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Each one of us also has a spiritual genealogy of persons the Lord is using to prepare us for His Christmas coming. This Christmas season as you light the candles of the Advent wreath, think of four people who have brought you closer in the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. This is your spiritual Advent genealogy. As you light the candles of the Advent wreath, think of how the Lord is working through these four people. Ask yourself how you are responding to God’s grace in these four situations. If you are not clear about how the Lord is working through these people, ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. Lord, thank You for the people You have placed into my life to help me prepare for Your coming this Christmas. Amen.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: As you light your Advent candles this Christmas season, think about four people who have helped you prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. Olympias
Faith Quote: “What has happened to the old-fashioned, spiritual Christmas? The cause is our disregard of Advent. The church set aside this four-week pre-Christmas season as a time of spiritual preparation for Christ’s coming. It is a time of quiet anticipation. If Christ is going to come again into our hearts, there must be repentance. Without repentance, our hearts will be so full of worldly things that there will be ‘no room in the inn’ for Christ to be born again.…We have the joy not of celebration. Which is the joy of Christmas, but the joy of anticipation.” ~ John R. Brokhoff
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22