ZPCBlog

About the author: Sara Campbell and her family have been members of ZPC for almost two decades. Sara and Ty have two college-age children, Riley and Madison. Sara is finishing her term as a Deacon, and in her free time she likes to read, play golf, travel, and spend time with family.

Today's Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

When my kids were little, the weeks and days leading up to Christmas were filled with eager anticipation of what was coming, or better stated–WHO was coming. Were we waiting for a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and tucked in a manger? Sadly, no. Most of us were waiting for a fat guy in a red velvet suit, who would bring gifts specifically requested by each child. Now that my children are in college, I am the one eagerly waiting for what’s coming–days filled with the laughter and warmth of a full house, and the giving of gifts selected with love for each person.

Advent means “arrival” or “coming” in Latin. For Christians, this is the coming of Jesus into the world. In today’s scripture, the prophet Jeremiah describes the new covenant that is coming. But instead of writing laws on tablets of stone, God’s law will be written on the hearts and minds of God’s people. The coming of Jesus established this covenant thousands of years ago, and it is still relevant to us today. 

As I reflected on this scripture passage, the image of a hard heart, much like the stone tablets of old, came to mind. How can God write his words on my heart if it is rock hard? During this cold, hard 20 months of pandemic and isolation, have I hardened my heart to receiving his word? Have I rejected the perfect gift he chose for me, the gift of his son, the whole reason for the season of Advent and Christmas?

How is your heart? Is it open, soft, and receptive to the touch of God writing his words on it? My prayer for all of us as we journey through this wonderful season of Advent is that we will slow the pace, open our ears, and soften our hearts to the words God himself is writing in our lives.

Activity

Keep a journal during Advent and write things that God is writing on your heart. As you look back on your writing, see if you notice how God has softened your heart to what he is writing there.

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank you for never giving up on your people, even though we continue to fail you. Thank you for establishing your new covenant within our hearts and minds, and for the precious gift of your son Jesus who came to fulfill the law. During this wonderful season of Advent, open our minds and our hearts to the story that you are writing there.
Amen

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