Advent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 9:1-7

In this passage, we see that He has given us a Son whose name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. And, I love the image that He shall break the yoke that has been placed upon our backs. He will break the yoke of sin, the yoke of hatred, the yoke of brokenness, all of these yokes by the grace of God, and through the power of Jesus can be broken.

Through Jesus, there is a light that shines in the darkness. It shines in the darkness of this world, bringing forth light and and a call to repentance, but it also shines in our hearts, calling us out of darkness. It calls us out of the darkness of unbelief, of unfaithfulness, of sin. The light shines, and the Son frees. Today, through Jesus, we can know light, and freedom, and grace. Today, through His grace, we can live!

New Testament Lesson

2 Peter 1:12-21

We see in this passage another mention of that light, shining in darkness. Today, Peter is talking about the Word of God, the prophesies of God. We all believe that in receiving Holy Communion, we can receive God's grace in a powerful way. Wesley taught that searching the scriptures (a daily Bible discipline) was also a means of Grace. And through this, we can receive God's grace to live the holy life He calls us to.

Today, in this moment, you can receive God's grace through His Word. Today, you can receive His light, through the Word. Today, you can receive the power you need to live the life He has called you to, through the Word. Today, His light shines, today, may we receive it.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 22:54-69

Here we see the symbolism of Peter, standing beside a light, and following The Light, but still choosing the darkness of denial. He had three chances to stand with Jesus, to claim Him as his own, to glorify Him. And, three times he denied.

Why? Maybe fear. Maybe he was worried. Maybe he just panicked. We don't know. We simply know that three times he denied Jesus. And, we know this. In John Gospel, three times, after the Resurrection, Jesus came to Peter and asked Him if He loved Him. And, for each of the three denials, Jesus gave him forgiveness, and a way to make it right.

You sin can be and will be forgiven, if you will receive it. The only think keeping us from God is not our sin, but our pride and unwillingness to receive His forgiveness. Today, if you will take it, you can be forgiven, through His amazing grace.