Category: Advent devotions

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: Glory fills the temple

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 12, 2020. Read 1 Kings 8:10-11 and Psalm 11.

Finally, after seven years of construction, the temple in Jerusalem is finished and furnished. Priests bring the ark of the covenant into the inner sanctuary. “When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:10,11). The cloud of God’s presence which had covered Mt. Sinai, had led the people through the desert and had filled the tabernacle now took up residence in the magnificent temple built by Solomon.

Solomon’s dedication prayer recognizes that the God of all creation certainly cannot be contained in a structure built by human hands. Yet for this occasion, God was indeed with them in a holy place only he could occupy. In the years to come, Solomon hoped that whenever there was trouble, the people would pray towards that place to remember God’s presence and receive his grace.

Many of you reading this probably remember “glorious” churches where you have worshiped. I remember the dedication of a new sanctuary for the church where I grew up. It seemed so big and the music was like nothing I had ever heard. I remember the dedication of the new sanctuary where I currently serve. It too was so big compared with where we previously gathered.

Many of you might also remember some of the glorious moments in churches where you worshiped. I vividly recall churches where I played trumpet with enormous, powerful organs whose sound filled every inch of the worship space. I have wonderful memories of baptizing, confirming, and marrying my children. I treasure the awesome moment of laying my hands on my son’s head, ordaining him into the ministry. I also can’t forget glorious moments on mission trips to Haiti or Kenya, where I worshiped in structures with tin roofs and dirt floors.

I’ll bet every believer has been in a space that seemed to be occupied by God. Or a moment when God seemed especially close. If God is indeed bigger than the universe He created and can do more than we ask or imagine, why would He choose to squeeze Himself into a temple, sanctuary or even a modest chapel? For that matter, why would He squeeze Himself into the human form of a baby born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth and crucified on Calvary? He must really want to be with us, live and in person!

Thank You, Lord, for the moments and spaces You have filled with Your presence. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: A cloud in the tabernacle

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Ruvim Noga on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 11, 2020. Read Exodus 40:34-38 and Psalm 81.

So finally, after all the work collecting materials and crafting the tabernacle, the portable worship center for the newly free nation of Israel was ready. The curtains are in place, the table is in place, the lampstand is in place, the altar and basin are in place, the ark is in its place and the priests are sanctified and ready to do their jobs. Now the cloud which will lead them on their journey (and will be a pillar of fire at night) covers the tent as the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle. No one can go in. It’s occupied by a holy God, live and in person with His people.

We have a fog machine at church that we’ve used for Vacation Bible School special effects. I got it out a couple of years ago for a Transfiguration Sunday children’s sermon. It almost worked too good. Any more smoke and I think we would have set off the fire sprinklers! I do not need that kind of excitement on a Sunday morning.

The idea of a smoke-filled room can be good news or bad news. If the cassarole in the oven is burning, it’s bad news. If some policies and procedures are being ironed out, it could be good news. If all that incense makes you wheeze and cough, it’s bad news. If it’s the sweet-smelling prayers of God’s people ascending to heaven, that’s good. If the Advent wreath is on fire, that’s bad. If the sanctuary is filled with VBS kids, that’s good!

For the nation of Israel, the smoke of God’s presence in the tabernacle was very, very good news. It meant that their God was with them wherever they went. He would not leave them nor forsake them. He would be with them always, to the end. They would never be on their own to survive, navigate their journey, or fight an enemy. God was with them!

When I was a pastor of a church in Connecticut, I went to a pastor’s conference at a retreat center on the southern coast. It was a really nice place, with great meeting spaces and pretty good food. The pastor in charge of worship was pretty high church. When we met in the chapel of the retreat center, I experienced my first incense-filled evening prayer service. Where I grew up, we never did that. But here, it was a reminder of our prayer and the Lord’s presence.

A few months ago I preached at a colleague’s church for the anniversary of his ordination. I noticed a censor in the front of his church. I asked, “How often do you use that?” He said, “Every week. I light the incense and walk around the sanctuary about an hour before our worship. The smoke and aroma lingers just enough to remind us of our prayers and God’s presence.” I really appreciated his efforts. I had never had this experience.

How about you? Would a cloud of aromatic smoke remind you of God’s presence in our worship? Or do other sensory reminders draw you into the presence of the Savior?

Thank you, Lord, for all the reminders of your presence in our worship and in our lives. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: A low whisper

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 10, 2020. Read 1 Kings 19:9-12 and Psalm 29.

What does the voice of God sound like? Most people probably imagine it to be loud, deep and with a British accent. In Psalm 29 David describes it as powerful enough to break trees and shake the ground beneath your feet. Jesus cried out in a loud voice at Lazarus’ tomb or when He gave up His spirit in death. In Revelation His voice is like the roar of many waters, as if your were standing on the beach before the crashing waves. Or the roar of rapids echoing from canyon walls.

But for Elijah, it wasn’t like that at all. Convinced that he’s the last believer left on earth, Elijah ascends a mountain where the Lord Himself passes by. Though the moment is marked by gale force winds, a ground-splitting earthquake and scorching flames, it is the sound of a low whisper that draws the prophet to the mouth of a cave where he converses with God.

When you are in a room full of children, the volume of their voices often increases as they try harder and harder to be heard. Sometimes you have to remind them, “You don’t have to yell. I’m right here. You can use your inside voice.”

Some small sounds immediately capture my attention. Water dripping from some faucet. An unusual noise from the car engine. A subdued “Uh-oh” from the other room. A low growl from the dog who heard someone outside the house. Or a far off ambulance siren.

Sometimes God’s voice seems very small, almost unnoticeable among all the noise in our world. Ours is a noisy world full of car horns and barking dogs and ringing phones and crying children and advertisements and weather alerts. The voice of the Savior can be drowned out by all kinds of other folks trying to get your attention.

So sometimes you have to turn all that off, close all the doors, disconnect the distractions and just listen. Listen to what He has to say as you read scripture aloud. Listen as someone else reads the Word to you. Listen as if He were talking to you.

The Savior came into this world as an infant, one small voice that few noticed or listened to. Yet His are the words of eternal life. What a blessing that He still quietly and powerfully speaks to us through His Word!

Thank you, Lord, for using Your inside voice to speak Words of comfort, reassurance and life to me. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: Been there done that

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Laurenz Kleinheider on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 9, 2020. Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and Psalm 51.

The author of Hebrews writes, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In other words, “Been there. Done that.”

One of the amazing things about Jesus is that He was here, live and in person. He knows what it’s like to be loved and hated, adored and persecuted, welcomed and rejected, praised and damned, nurtured and killed. No matter what we are going through, He’s been there. He’s experienced it. He knows exactly what you are going through. He gets it. He understands.

Like a CEO who was hired for the mailroom, or an officer who started out as a private, or a concert-master violinist who played last chair third violin for years, Jesus knows exactly what it’s like to be born, grow up, be hated and die on planet earth. When we pray, we are never talking to an entity who is removed from reality. He was here, live and in person.

Are you a doctor or nurse? He was a healer. Are you a teacher? He taught so many. Are you a chef? He knows how to feed a crowd. Are you a leader? He was a king. Are you a scientist? He not only knows how the universe works, He created it! He knows how to fish, make wine, climb a mountain, ride a donkey and work with wood.

It makes such a difference to talk to someone who did the same kind of work you did. They know the lingo. They understand the disappointments. They appreciate the successes. They’ve learned from the mistakes. They have sound advice.

Jesus was born. He lived. He died. He gets it. He was here. And that leads to some great conversations that we call prayer. When you ask, “What do I say?” “What do I do?” “How do I deal with this?” He has an answer. After all, He’s been there and done it.

More importantly, He knows about temptation. He’s felt the pressure. He’s heard the lies. He’s struggled with His fears. He knows how hard it is to pray, “Not my will but Your’s be done.”

Do you know what the best part of this reality is? When we come to Him, we receive mercy and grace when we need it. No condemnation, no “You should have known better,” or “Too bad!” At the feet of our high priest, at the foot of the cross, we encounter our biggest cheerleader. We find grace, strength, and encouragement to be like Him, for He has been there and done that!

Lord, thanks for understanding. It’s hard. It’s hard to resist temptation. It’s hard to obey. It’s so hard to stay on the path. Thank you for the mercy and grace I need right now – as well as every day. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: Unto us a child is born

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Aditya Romansa on Unsplash

“Live and in person Advent devotion for December 8, 2020.” Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and Psalm 121.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Who comes to mind when you think of a child star? I guess it depends on your generation. Shirley Temple? Ron Howard (Opie)? Maureen McCormick (Marsha Brady)? Barry Livingston (Ernie Douglas on “My Three Sons”)? Mccaulay Culkin (Home Alone)?

Scripture has its share of child stars, too. From Cain and Abel to Jacob and Esau to Samson and John the Baptist, the arrival of children would shape the story of God’s people. But none of them were expected to be or do as much as the child Isaiah spoke of. In the birth of this son the world would meet the “Mighty God” and the “Everlasting Father” live and in person!

The arrival of every son and daughter is filled with the anticipation of what they will grow up to be and the things that they will do. Each addition to a family is unique. Each will discover their talents and learn new skills as they grow. Each brings a hint of the future with them, for they will one day be leaders, teachers, inventors, healers and artists. Children whet our appetite for a world that is better than the one we live in now.

It certainly is fun to discover what our children can do. We give them balls to see what kinds of athletic abilities they have. We put crayons and paint brushes in their hands to unleash artistic ability. We sing songs, play games and read books, watching as they become the people God created them to be.

Long before His birth, Isaiah reveals what this child would become. He was born for public service, politics and government. He would be the one to fill the very big shoes of David, ascending to the throne of a kingdom that would never end. His parents, His people and the world had high hopes for this child.

We still do. Each Christmas, we have high hopes that Jesus will bring peace and joy to our world. How thankful we are for this child!

Lord, be the child star of our Christmas, coming with the counsel, strength and peace we so much need. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: A virgin shall conceive

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 7, 2020. Read Isaiah 7:14 and Psalm 2.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

These words from the Lord came to Ahaz, one of the kings of Judah, more than seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ. To describe him as a king who did not do “what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God” is an understatement. King Ahaz pursued an alliance with Assyria, the foreign power that destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel. He practiced and promoted idol worship by sacrificing his own son and constructing a pagan altar in the temple!

The Lord had told Ahaz he could pick any sign he wanted as an assurance that God would faithfully defend his people from their enemies. Ahaz wouldn’t choose one. So the Lord gave him this well-known Christmas promise. The birth of a child would be the sign of God’s presence and involvement in the lives of His people.

If God gave you carte blanche to ask for any sign you wanted from Him, what would you choose? I’ve talked with many people who wish God would give them a sign. So I’ll ask, “Like what? What kind of a sign would you like?” The typical answer is, “Oh, I don’t know. Something big, spectacular and in-your-face.” I’m not sure what I would ask for. Anyway, how could I really be sure that a particular sign came from God?

Did anyone else ever ask for a sign? Gideon, one of the judges. But his sign was kind of weird. All he asked for was a dry rag out in a dewy field. Yawn. Hezekiah asked for the sun to move backwards in the sky. Nice. But a day or two later, you might ask yourself, “Did I really see that?” What about a virgin birth? Three-star, for sure. But those who heard about it assumed it was a scandal rather than a miracle.

But you know what? It is a sign that God cares when He shows up. After all Immanuel means “God with us.” What better way to show the world that He is real, He cares, and you don’t have to do this alone? Texts are nice. Cards are nice. But when you show up to share the moment, the celebration or the tears, it means a whole lot more.

When Jesus was born and grew up and started preaching, some asked Him for a sign. “Give us a sign so we know you’re the real deal.” Jesus didn’t bite. He was the sign, live and in person!

Thank you, Lord, for such a great sign! Your presence as a baby, a miracle worker and my Savior means everything to me. Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: Manoah and his wife, the parents of Samson

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by René Ranisch on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 6, 2020. Read Judges 13:2-7 and Psalm 37.

I like to imagine Manoah and his wife sitting down for supper one night and he asks her, “Would you like some wine?” “No, thank you.” she replies. He just looks at her while she continues, “You know, the funniest thing happened to me today. A man of God appeared to me and told me not to drink wine or eat any unclean food, because we’re going to have a baby! And it’s a boy!” Were they shocked? Overjoyed? Amazed?

I love Manoah’s reaction. Basically, he says, “I want to talk to this guy.” When the angel of the Lord — the man of God — returns, Manoah meets him out in the field and asks, “So, what’s up with the birth announcement?” After the angel of the Lord repeats the good news, a meal is prepared, flames shoot up to heaven, and Manoah and his wife know they have seen and heard from the Lord Himself! It is a pre-Bethlehemic gender-reveal gala from long, long ago.

The birth of a child is a life-changing event for any couple. All of a sudden this person shows up in your home and expects you to put them up, prepare meals for them and cater to their every need. Of course, we do all that with joy, for we discover a love like we’ve never known before — love for our son or daughter. And if we get a bonus of more than one child, we experience the miracle of love that multiplies for each and every one of our sons and daughters.

That’s the kind of love God has for you. You are His child, adopted by grace and the redemption we have in Jesus Christ. He is overjoyed to call you His son or daughter and to provide a home, meals, and all of your needs.

I think it’s cool to think of your baptism as a birth announcement, the surprising and amazing news that someone important, influential and loved has joined God’s family. Born of water and the Spirit, you’ve got the promise of victory over sin, the world, and the power of the devil himself.

Every once in a while, you might want to talk to the guy who told you all this. Feel free. He would love to hear from you!

Lord, thanks for the glorious birth announcements in Scripture, including my own! Amen.

Posted in advent, Advent devotions, Devotions

2020 Advent devotion: The commander of the Lord’s army

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jaime Spaniol on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 5, 2020. Read Joshua 5:13-15 and Psalm 124.

It is an exciting time for the people of Israel and their new leader, Joshua! God had stopped the Jordan River so they could cross into the promised land on dry ground. They don’t have to eat manna anymore, because they now have access to the abundant produce of their new home.

They are ready to begin their conquest of the land by taking the city Jericho, when suddenly, Joshua looks up and sees a man with a drawn sword in his hand. I’m sure Joshua had his sword out too when he stepped up and asked, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Will the fight begin right here and now?

The man answers, “I am the commander of the army of the Lord.”

This is no ordinary soldier. Joshua falls facedown on the ground and worships. He has to take off his sandals at this holy place, just like Moses did in front of the burning bush. This must be more than just one of the heavenly host. This must be the Lord, live and in person!

I don’t know about you, but if I were team captain and choosing sides, I would definitely want the Lord on my side! Scripture names other impressive warriors. Like Samson, who killed a lot of Philistines. Or some of David’s mighty men. But as David said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). When the Lord is on your side, victory is a given!

Before this, Moses told the people, “the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4). Later, Joshua would also remind the people, “it is the Lord your God who fights for you” (Joshua 23:10).

Much later, the apostle Paul would write to Timothy, encouraging him to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). The Christian faith is a struggle, a battle if you will, to hold onto the eternal life we have in Christ. The devil, the world and our sinful nature constantly attempt to distract us with promises that never fulfill, never last and never live up to expectations.

It’s a losing battle – unless the Lord is on your side. Here’s the good news. Not only does He fight for you, but He overcomes the world, he defeats death and He wins the victory for us! So don’t give up. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. The battle belongs to the Lord! (1 Samuel 17:47)

Lord, thank You for the victory You have given me in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Posted in Advent devotions, Devotions

Advent devotion: The pillar of cloud and pillar of fire

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Patrício Souza on Unsplash

“Live and in person” Advent devotion for December 4, 2020. Read Exodus 13:17-22 and Psalm 23.

“In two miles, keep right and take exit 122, Main Street…” By now most of us are used to the little voice coming from the map app on our smart phones, telling us exactly how to get to our destination. Over a span of forty years, God’s people would get used to the Lord going before them as a pillar of cloud during the day or fire by night. They never had to wonder which fork to take, if they had missed a turn or an exit, or whether it was time to take a break and set up camp. God took care of all that for them, live and in person, as cloud or fire.

This pre-incarnate appearance of Christ took them through some unlikely places on routes they never would have chosen on their own. Instead of taking them the quickest way through Philistine country, God led them to the Red Sea where they would see another demonstration of His power. He would take them to Sinai, where Moses would receive the tablets of the law. He would lead them through a dessert where they would be completely dependent on Him for their food and water. The would take them through the unfriendly neighborhoods of enemy nations. It wasn’t the easiest, quickest or scenic route. But they would survive and they would arrive at their destination, the promised land.

Much later, Jesus would call Himself the Good Shepherd. He was indeed the One who would guide people to pasture, water, safety and a forever home with Him. Jesus invited many but never forced anyone to follow Him. He still doesn’t. So why do we?

When speaking of being the Shepherd, Jesus said that His sheep recognize His voice and they follow Him. They won’t follow a stranger. They follow the One who has always cared for them, protected them and provided for them.

Our Lord led His disciples to places they probably never would have gone one their own. Desolate places where people were hungry. Sad places where people were mourning. Frightening places where the demon-possessed lived. Dangerous places where some picked up stones to kill Jesus. Awesome places where He met with legends like Moses and Elijah. In each place, He revealed another dimension about Himself. In each place, they would learn to trust Him more

Jesus is still our Good Shepherd, He still leads us with His voice, and He still leads us to places we would never choose on our own. His Word leads us to the least with whom we share our food, drink, clothes and homes. His Word leads us to those we have hurt with an apology. His Word leads us to forgive those who have hurt us, for we have received much forgiveness from Him. His Word leads us to the food and drink of the altar, when we might have chosen to stay in bed.

In each place, we learn more about Him. And we too, trust His voice to lead us.

Lord, thank You for Your voice and words that lead me in new directions, to new places, and always closer to You. Amen