Sunday marks the 4th and final Sunday of Advent.  A reading and some thoughts for you.  Enjoy!
(btw, there will be one further meditation for Christmas Eve/Day coming in the next few days…)

Intro

Our last look at Isaiah 61 as we prepare for Jesus’ coming.  We have heard who he will be, what he will do, and how it will affect our lives.  Now, our response: worship.

This week: Sunday, December 20

What you need

• 4 candles that are the same color (for the four weeks of Advent’s expectation of Jesus), 1 candle that is a different color (representing Christ, the fulfillment)

Light all four of the similar candles as you begin.  Three represent the previous weeks.  The other is for this week – week 4.  Keep them lit throughout your time, and you may re-light them throughout the week if you set aside special time for prayer.
Bonus points if you can keep them in the same space over the next weeks, preferably somewhere you can see them and be reminded of your commitment to focus on Jesus this season.

• A few favorite Christmas songs (the Jesus kind, not the jingle bells sort…at least for our purposes here)

Begin

Say a prayer to focus your attention on Jesus and asking Him to meet you during this time.

Sing a favorite Christmas song (even if you aren’t a star singer.  It’s ok, make it

Read Isaiah 61:10-11

Reflect

What a beautiful picture.  Our Messiah did not come to act out some abstract concept of healing.

• Take a moment and picture yourself clothed with salvation.
• Feel God wrapping you in a robe of righteousness.
• You are his beloved!

Look again at verse 11.
I think we are the soil in which God grows this sprout.
Every one of us who lets Jesus be born into our lives are gardens for the Lord’s work.
In us, righteousness and praise spring up among the nations.

Do

Sing another favorite Christmas song (or two) in response.  Worship Jesus and prepare yourself again for his coming.

Pray

• Pray that Jesus would grow in you.
• Pray for those who need Jesus’ salvation.

In the upcoming week

Sing!  Sing all week.  Invite Jesus more and more into your heart.