Scripture Reading
John 17:20-23
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Reflection
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity traditionally begins around this date. This is Jesus' own prayer — the night before he died, he was praying for our unity. The standard he sets is breathtaking: unity like the unity of the Trinity. That kind of oneness does not erase distinction but transcends division. Every act of Christian reconciliation is an answer to this prayer.
Prayer for Today
Dear heavenly Father, the season Advent is upon us, the cherished season when we remember and celebrate the coming of Jesusthe promised Messiah and deliverer, your beloved Sonour gracious Savior. Grant that it will prove to be much more than Advent-as-usual.
Surprise us, Father. Let us engage with the story of Jesus' birth as though for the very first time. Rescue us from the sentimental and predictable. Let the story so impact us that we ourselves will lift up our voices and be freed from all fear. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in fresh ways. Reshape how we do Christmas this year by the power of the gospel.
Already this morning I've been arrested with Isaiah's picture of your Advent arms. The promise of the Messiah carries with it the promise of the one embrace we all need. In Jesus, you come near to us as the sovereign Lord, with your sleeves rolled up as the great ruler. Your arm rules over all history, all nations, all kings, all circumstances. Nothing can alter, subvert, or change the story you are telling through Jesus. Nothing can divert or delay the kingdom you are advancing through Jesus. You are God, and there is no other.
But in Jesus, you also come near to us as the most compassionate Shepherd, gathering and carrying your lambs in your arms. The image and hope are staggering. To be tended as vulnerable, dependent sheep, to be held close to your heart, to be gently ledwhat more could we possibly desire? And to realize that our Shepherd is none other than the Lamb of Godthe One who has come to take away the sin of the worldincluding my sin. Hallelujah, many times over!
These aren't mere metaphors, Father. Metaphors cannot save us, only inspire us. You really are this kind of God and you really are this kind. The coming of Jesus puts all nations on notice: there is only one true King and he is here. And the coming of Jesus puts all your people face down in adoring love, for Jesus is a most wonderful, merciful Savior, Immanuelthe God who is with us and the God who is for us. So very Amen I pray, with Advent wonder, in Jesus' matchless name.
Surprise us, Father. Let us engage with the story of Jesus' birth as though for the very first time. Rescue us from the sentimental and predictable. Let the story so impact us that we ourselves will lift up our voices and be freed from all fear. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in fresh ways. Reshape how we do Christmas this year by the power of the gospel.
Already this morning I've been arrested with Isaiah's picture of your Advent arms. The promise of the Messiah carries with it the promise of the one embrace we all need. In Jesus, you come near to us as the sovereign Lord, with your sleeves rolled up as the great ruler. Your arm rules over all history, all nations, all kings, all circumstances. Nothing can alter, subvert, or change the story you are telling through Jesus. Nothing can divert or delay the kingdom you are advancing through Jesus. You are God, and there is no other.
But in Jesus, you also come near to us as the most compassionate Shepherd, gathering and carrying your lambs in your arms. The image and hope are staggering. To be tended as vulnerable, dependent sheep, to be held close to your heart, to be gently ledwhat more could we possibly desire? And to realize that our Shepherd is none other than the Lamb of Godthe One who has come to take away the sin of the worldincluding my sin. Hallelujah, many times over!
These aren't mere metaphors, Father. Metaphors cannot save us, only inspire us. You really are this kind of God and you really are this kind. The coming of Jesus puts all nations on notice: there is only one true King and he is here. And the coming of Jesus puts all your people face down in adoring love, for Jesus is a most wonderful, merciful Savior, Immanuelthe God who is with us and the God who is for us. So very Amen I pray, with Advent wonder, in Jesus' matchless name.
Amen.