Advent Devotion Week 1 Day 4
Salvation Comes, Armor of Light, and Romans 13:11-14
The fourth day of Advent devotion continues Week 1 with a reflection, activity, and closing prayer based on Romans 13:11-14, scripture chosen by Mark Zimmerman in the Advent series Stirring Up Advent. The following devotion takes twenty minutes or more and can be used for individuals or groups. Enjoy.
Step 1: Read Romans 13:11-14.
Step 2: Read the Following Reflection on Romans 13:11-14 Entitled "Armor of God."
"For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near" (Romans 13:11-12).
Paul contrasts darkness and light to describe what salvation is. For the believers, waiting for salvation, "day is near" (Romans 13:12). Salvation comes nearer as the Advent count down continues. Salvation, salvation, salvation- the Lord Jesus Christ comes closer every day.
There is a big difference between day and night. At night, things are not as they seem, their true reality enshrouded in darkness. Safe places become dangerous, and ordinary objects stretch their shadows to monstrous proportions. Indeed, it's difficult to even talk about night without mentioning light- the lack of light, the inability to see what should be there, the futility of trying to move or see or do anything because of the surrounding, absorbing, sucking darkness.
Jesus Christ coming is like the light of dawn peeking through the horizon. The light twinkles and chases the darkness of night away. In Jesus, life becomes clearer, more focused, priorities change, and indeed, one's values and perspectives as well. New life and new light appear on the horizon.Salvation comes.
The darkness of wandering around at night without light is what life is like without Christ -- confusing, frightening, and lost in the shadows.
Paul encourages all believers to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12). By embracing Jesus, believers embrace the light. Indeed, they can let Jesus illumine their lives, dispel the shadows, shine light on the terrifying and wounded places deep inside, and rest knowing that no matter how ugly life gets, they have Light. The Armor of Light, Jesus Christ, brings day to night, hope to the lost, and peace to the restless, even in the darkest nights.
Salvation saves all of us from the darkest places inside and outside of ourselves. As the Light of Jesus continues to rise this Advent, may God dispel the shadows of fear and despair and let hope rise in every heart that eagerly awaits His birth. Amen.
Activity for Visualizing God's Light
Visualize the Armor of Light surrounding your entire body. Take a few moments to imagine its strength, power, and blinding light fueled by God's love. Several times throughout the day, stop and reconnect with this image of God protecting and enfolding you. At the end of the day, give God thanks for any blessings that you noticed in your life or in the lives of others throughout the day. Indeed, these blessings are the light of God in the world and a twinkling of hope in the midst of the ordinariness and occasional darkness of life.
Closing Prayer on the Armor of God
Loving God, thank you for saving your world with the Light, our Lord Jesus Christ. For all the dark places, Lord, you have created a path and guide your children safely home with the Light as guide. Help all believers to follow the Light and wear their armor proudly on the path with You. Amen.
See also Third Day of Advent Devotion, the Purifier God or Fifth Day of Advent Devotion, Path of Light for other daily advent devotions using scripture.
SOURCES:
Holy Bible. NRSV. Oremus Bible Browser. 2008.
Zimmerman, Mark. Stirring Up Advent. Creative Communications for the Parish. 2008.
God is Light in Darkness this Advent
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