People of the Book

The Advent Lesson today reminds me that we are “people of the book.” We are people who form our collective identity around the greatest story ever told. Becoming a Christian means that our lineage becomes part of the cloud of witnesses who confess Jesus as Lord. I know sometimes that reading the bible can be difficult and intimidating but that is not what it was designed to do. As John reminds us “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ”! That’s the ultimate purpose of the bible—faith in Jesus Christ.

So let’s just talk:

• Do you find reading the bible a challenge?
• What can the church do to help people better understand the bible?

Reading the bible became part of my life several years ago. I will never forget my sister in law gave me a bible for Christmas and my initial reaction was oh great—she’s trying to push this God thing on me again. It took 10 months for me to open it but when I did I was again reminded who Jesus is ant the love that God has for all of us. It was my best Christmas present ever! Today I am a part of the people of the book.

John went on to write “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Oh but what a story there is to tell!

The Day of the Lord

This week in our congregation each person was given an Advent devotional. The material in it is from one of my favorite authors/ theologians—C.S. Lewis. The theme is A Grand Miracle—Christ’s coming into the world—truly God is with us in the flesh. Today’s devotion is about The Day of the Lord. There is a lot in the Bible about the day of the Lord. It is a Day of Judgment and Promise.

Our devotional reminds us that Judgment and Promise are the central themes of Advent and the Day of the Lord is any day that salvation takes a significant step forward.



So let’s just talk:

• What does the word judgment mean to you? Is this really something to be concerned about?
• In a world where the common vernacular is “I’m ok—you’re ok” does the day of the Lord hold any weight?
• If there is no judgment—why do we need a promise, let alone a savior?

Some pretty heavy themes in this Advent devotional—but good ones. I don’t know about you but when I stop and really think about it—God becoming human is amazing—God entering into the human race completely and totally is truly amazing grace.