ADVENT 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Isaiah 7:1-9    
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12    
Luke 22:1-13

"Then came the day of the Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, that we may eat it.’” (Luke 22:7-8)

It is mid-December, and undoubtedly many of us are up to our ears in preparations! There are gifts to buy, worship services to plan and rehearse for, and so many other things to do as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  For many families there is also a special holiday meal to prepare for as well, one that will be shared with family and friends.

In today's reading from Luke, Jesus and the disciples were also making preparations to share a meal, that of the Passover. Although they didn't know it yet, this very special meal would be the last one that the disciples would share with Jesus, for his earthly ministry was nearing its conclusion. Judas Iscariot had already made preparations of his own to betray Jesus. In the verses following 22:13 Jesus tells the disciples about the upcoming suffering that he will go through, in order to fulfill his mission. We can only imagine the mood at that meal, but it seems likely that there was very little to celebrate that night!

Jesus knew of the ordeal that awaited him, yet he did not back down. What an incredible gift he has given us!  Because of Jesus, we are a forgiven people, assured of a place in God's heavenly kingdom. Although we can never offer Jesus a gift that compares to this one, we can show our gratitude by serving others. Christ the Lord is born—Christ the Lord has risen! Hallelujah!

What an incredible gift he has given us!

Prayer: Loving God, we give thanks for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Guide us as we seek to follow his footsteps. All of us are your children. May we serve each other in love, as Jesus served us. In his name we pray, amen. 

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Last modified November 17, 2007