Advent Devotion Week 4 Day 1
Heirs of the Kingdom, God's Inclusion, and Galatians 4:1-5
Week 4, the last week of Advent, begins with a short devotion on the theme of God's including love and the hope of all believers from Galatians 4:1-5, scripture chosen by the Stirring Up Advent series. Feel free to browse the following four steps and use what activities meet your needs today as you continue to celebrate Advent in hope of Christmas.
Step 1: Read Galatians 4:1-5.
Step 2: Enjoy the Following Reflection on Galatians 4:1-5, Heirs of God's Kingdom
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children" (Galatians 4:4-5).
Jesus' birth brings salvation for all people, not just the people born under the law, the Jewish people, but for all who follow God and obey the new law, Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to unify the world and make everyone, no matter where they come from, heirs of God's eternal kingdom.
"The fullness of time," a powerful phrase, indicates a bursting, bulging desire for change and new life. Jesus, for Christians, is that new life. Jesus saves all God's beloved children from being "enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world" (Galatians 4:3).
As Jesus is the reason for the season, let all who believe in him, as Advent nears an end and Christmas is nearly here, claim their inheritance as heirs of God's kingdom. Amen.
Step 3: Reflection Questions on Galatians 4:3, Heirs of the Kingdom
- How has following Jesus brought you new life? Can you identify with the phrase, "heirs of the kingdom"- why or why not?
- This passage in Galatians explores the theme of inclusion/exclusion- those who follow the law, those who do not. How has following Jesus helped you to feel included or excluded with God and others? What effects has this had on your faith?
Step 4: Closing Prayer on Galatians 4:3, Inclusion with God
God of love, you sent your son Jesus to heal a broken world and create a new law of love and peace. Bring together all your children, who wait for your kingdom, and by your love, may all who seek you find you and claim their inheritance and heirs of your kingdom, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For other Advent devotions, try Advent Devotion Week 3 Day 6 Joseph Hears the Angel. or Advent Devotion Week 4 Day 2: Rejoice and Litany of Joy.
Holy Bible, NRSV. Oremus Bible Browser. 2008.
Zimmerman, Mark. Stirring Up Advent. Creative Communications for the Parish. 2008.
Madonna and Child by Botticelli
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles