Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 1 Peter 1:10-12 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, the season of Advent has just begun, and we pray it will be filled with more hush, and less rush. If we’re going to be busy with anything, may it be with quieting our hearts, focusing our gaze, and setting our affection on things above—especially on you, the Author and Perfecter of our faith; the Source and Lord of our salvation; the Fountain and Fullness of all Grace.
Grant us the same intensity and care the prophets invested in searching out the promises of your coming. May old Scriptures come alive in profoundly new ways during this Advent season. Jesus, show us more of yourself, throughout the Bible. Humble and gladden our hearts with the realization that the prophets were serving us, when they spoke of your coming, your sufferings, and the glories that would follow.
And if angels were on “tiptoes with joy,” as they pondered your coming, renew our awe and joy as well. Thank you for the messengers you sent proclaiming the gospel to us, by the power of the Spirit. Thank you for showing us the bottomless depth of our need and the immeasurable heights of your grace. Thank you for granting us the new birth, forever freeing us from our old life. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
O, come, O come Immanuel, and bring even greater freedom to our hearts, and glory to yourself, in the coming weeks. So very Amen we pray, in the wonders of your love and the trustworthiness of your name.
