1st Week of Advent 1 : Hope
To help our community draw near to God this Advent season, we’re inviting you to dive into a series of daily devotionals. Each week will begin with a short scripture study based on the Sunday’s sermon. We’ll post the scripture studies here. To follow the rest of the week, below you’ll find a link to sign up to receive a daily email, or pick up a print copy of the devotional for the week each Sunday at Knox leading up to Christmas.
Scripture for the Week
Read Luke 1:5-25, Gabriel Visits Zechariah
400 years have gone by since the prophet Malachi. Over this time the Israelites have longed for God to intervene and break into their oppression from Rome and other nations, yet all they have encountered is silence. Generations have come and gone, following the rote religious traditions, settling into the life and routines of the day.
For Zechariah the priest, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the one to offer the incense of the prayers of the people before the Lord. They’ve done their best to live properly and be righteous before God, yet for so long, his and Elizabeth’s own prayers for children had gone unanswered. In their increasing age, their individual hope is all but gone.
It’s into this reality of Zechariah that Gabriel appears, bringing good news that their prayer has been heard. Imagine the shock and seeming incredulity of his pronouncement! A son for them and a man to inspire Israel to look again to God—one who will be great, anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit to effect the change of many.
Questions
As you enter into the Advent season, what are you praying and longing for? What are you wrestling with?
What stands out for you in verses 13-17, from Gabriel’s first words about who John will be? How do you see hope in these verses?
In what areas of your life do you need to turn your heart back to God this Advent season?
God’s silence is not the same as God’s absence.
How does this phrase challenge, confuse, or instil a sense of hope for you?
Download printable pdf (or swing by the church to pick up a print copy).
