Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, December 4, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
The waiting has begun. We are officially in Advent, called into contemplative anticipation of God’s resounding and redemptive “Yes!” to all creation. Jeremiah proclaims “They days are surely coming!” and a few hundred years later, Peter speaks revelation: Jesus is the one. We live now in the “already and not yet.” The promised messiah has already come and redeemed the world and at the same time, the reign of God is not fully here. We continue to wait and to work for God’s reign to break into the world anywhere and everywhere God’s love is shown. We continue to set aside this time each year to dwell in the “in between.” Let us not rush to fulfillment, drawn into the secular, consumer-focused holiday chaos that began way back before Halloween when stores began stocking lights and trees and gifts. (I’m writing this on October 26th. I’m flabbergasted at how many Christmas displays I am already seeing, when costumed children have not yet arrived at my door asking for candy!)
Step back. Take a deep breath. Pray and meditate. Immerse yourself in the waiting. Walk slowly and humbly with your God this blessed Advent season.
How do I observe Advent? Do I find myself rushing to Christmas?
![Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 [4:1-11], Jonah and God’s Mercy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56b39b61ab48de92d991a40a/6bbb490e-4992-4659-a8be-02d8397d68af/24-11-10.jpg)
