Advent Scriptures

This past year I have learned and come to appreciate the Jewish faith.  I have watched  the raw emotion of Jewish believers, tears streaming at the base of the Wailing Wall, and witnessed a people sold out to their God, a continuation of the commitment in the Old Testament.   It pains my heart that they are persistently waiting on the One who has already come.  I asked myself how the Jews who witnessed Jesus declare He was the Son of God, perform miracles, love on the unlovable, and resurrect from the dead... how could they have missed this One they had spent centuries waiting for?  I cannot say I would have recognized Him.  I'm sure, just like today, my sight would have been clouded with selfish desires, with dreams of a man who would save me from temporary suffering instead of eternally saving my sins. 

I am reminded of the quote I have heard by Max Lucado...

"If we needed good government, God would’ve sent a politician. If we needed knowledge, God would’ve sent a educator.  If we needed money, God would’ve sent an economist.  But we need forgiveness --- so He sent a Savior."

In honor of the Old Testament believers, wholly committed to an unseen God and waiting on a Savior, this advent season I want to be reminded of the many prophecies written in Scripture foretelling of my Savior's birth.  I want surround myself in a state of longing for Jesus that I have never been in before.  And what a celebration for those of us who call on the Messiah, who was born, loved, preached, shared, died, and raised to life, so we no longer have to wait with anticipation, but now run into His arms with thankfulness. 

We typed up a series of verses from the Old and New Testament to read every day until Christmas.  I know it's already December 7th, but I wasn't originally planning to post the advent verses on the blog.  After reading and meditating on the verses this past week, I thought I should share them with others too! I hope that these promises in God's Word will encourage you this season and bring about a renewed longing for Christ.  This is also a wonderful opportunity to share with your children the beliefs of the Jewish faith and the Messiah that we as Christians have accepted as our Savior.  

Each day I will try to post the new verse... if I can't update for a few days, I'll post a few on one day and you can come back and read them when you choose.  Also, I think we would all be blessed by comments and any further wisdom you would like to share about what the Lord is teaching you this Christmas season- either through these verses or in any other aspect of the season!  Feel free to email me or write a comment to share.  Merry Christmas!

December 7:

Isaiah 55:1-3

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?  Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.  Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.  I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.