December 6 Advent Devotional
Scripture: James 1:21 (NRSV)
Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
“….word that has the power to save your souls.” What a wonderful and mighty promise! The word made flesh is Christ and as we prepare our hearts and minds and wait during this advent season, James 1:21 reminds us to remove our sin, which does not reflect Christ, to enable us to hear and receive what the Lord is telling us through his word.
I recently spent several days at Mepkin Abbey for a personal retreat. One of the unexpected gifts received was the impact of “worshipping” up to 6 times a day–reciting Psalms, listening to scripture read and singing hymns several times at each service. The power of my mind, which is often overtaken by this world, lost its grip with this presence of reciting, listening and reading God’s word so frequently throughout the day. It enabled me to quiet the worldly chatter of my mind.
Our advent season calls us to prepare and wait. Prepare by cleansing our hearts from sin to hear and embrace the heart of God that lives in us. Wait for the Lord and read scripture…your first act in the morning and last act in the evening. Call on him throughout the day and he will be near, so very near.
Prayer: We give thanks for your written word and pray that the power held within those words can quiet us so we may hear your voice and know you are near. We rejoice knowing that only you have the power to save our soul.
Submitted by: Mary Gwinn
