Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus

December 17, 2023

Advent 2023

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When I was a child there were few things that I looked forward to more than opening gifts on Christmas Day morning. Our family routine that morning included having some sort of breakfast together as a family before we would open the gifts. In other words, from a child’s perspective, stretching things out as long as possible to make us wait as long as possible before we could get to the gifts. Kelly and I kept a similar routine on Christmas morning when our sons were growing, and it was for a reason. As much as our sons, like me as a child, would want to open gifts as soon as possible, we knew that Christmas morning was not just about exchanging gifts. It was about something more.

Throughout 2 Peter, the writer has invited his first readers and us to return to what is most important, which is what God has done in Jesus Christ. He has reminded us to hold to the truth in Christ unto the very end, even amidst trying times, such as the persecution that the first century believers faced. In chapter 3 of that letter, the writer has reminded his readers and us to live in light of the end of all things.

It is in light of what is most important, what is truly coming, that we live each day now. Admittedly, there are times when we lose perspective on what matters most. We may mistake one thing or another for the most important thing. When we lose our focus or get off track in our life with God, it is good to return to what the heart of everything is about and live in that way.

The writer says, “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him….grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:14, 18). So, let’s live with holy anticipation now in light of the end and what’s most important.

For reflection:

What do you think it looks like to live daily in light of what matters most in faith and life?
How could your Advent journey, whether on your own or with others, reflect this holy anticipation of what’s most important?

Nativity Building:

Move Mary and Joseph and the donkey a little closer to the stable. Mary and Joseph were filled with JOY as the time for Jesus’ birth came closer.

by Matt Erickson

Week 3 Family Talk

Imagine that you and your family are getting ready for your next birthday party. You’ve had the date circled on the calendar for weeks. Then, the day arrives! In the morning, you’re hanging decorations and blowing up balloons. Your mom is frosting the cake and your dad is hanging a piñata! But, out of nowhere, a fight breaks out between you and your brother—a bad fight—and you are both in trouble! Now, you don’t feel in the party mood at all. The joy that was building up to this celebration is totally, sadly gone!

No matter how great a celebration is, if our hearts are heavy—if we know we have done wrong—we can’t have joy. The apostle Peter wrote letters to Jesus’ followers. In his second letter, Peter kept pointing to a day when Jesus would return. He described this place, as “a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Heaven will be the most amazing celebration we will ever see! When this day comes, we want to enter Heaven with real joy—the kind of joy that comes when we have followed Jesus with our whole hearts (2 Peter 3:14).

So keep on following Jesus—reading His Word, talking to Him, worshiping, meeting with His people, the church. When we do this, Jesus promises to draw close to us (James 4:8). Even if we mess up and need to ask His forgiveness, we can know that He will show us mercy and make our hearts right. Then, when we finally see Jesus, we will be able to say with real joy: Let the party begin!

Let’s Talk:

Have you ever been somewhere where you should be happy but inwardly, you feel sad, frustrated, or angry? What was that like?
How do you describe joy?
How does following Jesus with our whole heart bring us joy?

by Laure Herlinger