This is the week to really practice surrender. The idea is to not read all the readings. They are here for you if and when you need them.
This is one of the things I love about following the traditional Advent schedule. It teaches us to surrender–to let things go. It reminds us that we have no control over time–we can only live for God today, trusting him with the past as well as the future.
Psalm 89:1-29 (Links to all the scriptures here)
Isaiah 62:1-5
Acts 13:16-25
Matthew 1:18-25
Psalm 89:1 describes singing of God’s faithfulness. This is what we do when we sing Christmas carols that celebrate God’s fulfillment of his promises. I love the feeling of connectedness, the continuity of tradition as we sing carols that were written several generations ago.
Isaiah 62 states that God can replace desolation with delight. If you are in a dark season today, talk to God about this. Tell him that you, like Sarah, trust his faithfulness.
Acts 13 is Paul’s summary of the gospel to a Jewish community.
Matthew 1: compare verse 23 to Matthew 28:20.
My treasure today is “Delight.”
Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.”
Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”… (Isaiah 62:4)
From desolate to God’s delight…this is the change you make in the lives of your people. Keep me focused on you, Immanuel, walking in the light of your face, exulting in your name.
Photo credit: Henk Bouma
Light for a Dark Season 
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