Scripture Verses
Read the context around these key verses when possible!
Reflections
Jesus is the Author of Creation. In Him all things hold together. He was before all things. Everything we know in creation came after Him. He was first. He was before. Whatever we know, Jesus was before it all. All things were made by Him and for Him. This means all things come from Him and are designed to give glory back to Him.
“God created us male and female in his own image to glorify him.”
New City Catechism, Question 4
We don’t clearly see this reality… not yet. We don’t see all of His creation praising Him. We see the created ones – people – often praising themselves. People are seeking their own fame instead of God’s fame. People are loving their own selves more than God. This produces all kinds of darkness in our world. People are not inclined to love what God loves, or desire what God desires, or pursue what God declares good. Humankind definitely isn’t inclined to live all of life to the praise of His glory. Tomorrow we will talk more about why this is the case, but today we’ll talk about what great hope we have.
There is great hope because God is ALWAYS working for the praise of His glory. He has not forgotten the people he created. He has not abandoned them. His plan has not been put on hold. He is not trying to figure out what went wrong.
He is working out His purpose as Creator and King of the Universe. He is redeeming a people for Himself, and His people give glimpses of His glorious grace. He does all this through Christ – the Author of Creation – who was, Himself, actually the plan set forth for the fullness of time to bring all things back to praising God. This Creator King leads sinners home. He leads people like me, once captive to sin and not loving the King, to be His own. His people are redeemed – remade in Christ – to praise Him. One day soon, Jesus is coming again, and we will see everything remade and praising God! So let’s praise the Creator King today! He made us, and He made us to worship Him!
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
The following are available on Right Now Media:
By Him (Col. 1:16-17) – From Seeds Family Worship, Jesus Album
The Word (John 1:1-14) – From Seeds Family Worship, Jesus Album
Discussion
What things in your life have come from God? How can those things be used to give God glory? (think time, talents, treasures)
Neighbors & Nations
We are blessed to be a blessing. Whether near or far, God’s heart is to make His name known so people from every nation will worship Him.
What can our family do today to make God’s name known?
Ideas for December 2
- Look through a gift catalog like this one from Compassion International, and pick out a gift you would like to give to a family in need.
- Consider ways each person can give of time, talents, and treasures to raise money to purchase the gift.
- Make a plan for gathering the money and purchasing the gift over the next two weeks.
Review yesterday's focus on Jesus.
If you are using the Advent Prayer Chain, pray for the next link.
If you have the Seeing Jesus stickers, add the circle to today's banner.
Seeing Jesus, Advent Wall Sticker Set is a Christmas countdown that provides a visual reminder of each day’s focus to help us see and celebrate Jesus.