God has revealed to his people the paths of righteousness that lead to life (Exodus 24:12-18). God is holy and loves justice, delighting in those who follow his ways. He transcends the politics and postures of this world and is worthy of our worship and praise (Psalm 2 and Psalm 99). We pay close attention to Scripture and the words of Jesus (2 Peter 1:16-21), who is gloriously revealed as the beloved Son of God who takes away our fear (Matthew 17:1-9) and leads us into joy.
“To look with lust violates relationships. To swear an oath disguises God’s mercy. The law of God is a pattern against pretense. It affects how we perceive others, the relationships that we enter, and what comes forth from our mouths. The lesson is twofold: let how we behave be obedient, and let what we say have integrity.”
City on a Hill “How do we please God? By caring for the poor and working toward justice (Isaiah 58:1-9,12), exhibiting courage, fearing the Lord and following his commandments (Psalm 112:1-9,10) and living in the Spirit, depending on the power of God rather than the power of rhetoric (1 Corinthians 2:1-12,13-16). In this way, we become the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-20).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
“God asks that we practice love, justice, kindness and humility (Micah 6:1-8). We are to be truthful, not slander others, protect the innocent and do what is right (Psalm 15). God shows his strength through what the world considers weak or despised, so that he might be glorified (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). Thus, he calls “blessed” the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn, and the persecuted (Matthew 5:1-12).”
God sent Jesus to be the light of the world. He is our light and our salvation (Isaiah 9:1-4) who cares for us in times of trouble (Psalm 27:1, 4-9). Christians should seek to cultivate peace (1 Corinthians 1:10-18), repenting of sins and turning to follow Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:12-23). He reveals himself in the midst of our ordinary lives and calls for us to follow him.
Light to the Nations “God promises us that his salvation will reach to the end of the earth (Is 49:1-7); he sent his only son Jesus, to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29-42). Because of God’s grace and mercy toward us, we put our trust in him (Psalm 40:1-11) and look to the second coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-9). “ – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
The Word was Made Flesh and Dwelt Among Us… “We who have walked in deep darkness have seen a great light! For unto us a child is born, one who will bring eternal peace (Isaiah 9:2-7). We celebrate Christ’s birth (Luke 2:1-20) because he became what we are, giving his life freely that through his grace we might have the hope of salvation (Titus 2:11-14). Because of Jesus, we praise God and declare his glory (Psalm 96). ” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Isaiah 9:2-7; 52:7-10; 62:6-12 Psalms 96-98 Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Hebrews 1:1-12 Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-14
God with Us “Isaiah foretold the conception and birth of Jesus as a miraculous sign to us (Isaiah 7:10-16), the way in which God would restore us to salvation (Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19). God gives us grace through Jesus Christ, his Son (Romans 1:1-7), who was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
Dawning Light of Our Salvation God is faithful to execute justice on behalf of the humble and oppressed (Psalm 146:5-10 & Luke 1:46b-65). Even in the wilderness, those who hope in the Lord can be strong and celebrate the future return of Jesus (Isaiah 35:1-10). We wait patiently for the time of his reappearance knowing that the coming of the Lord is near. Suffer well and encourage one another (James 5:7-10). The dawning light of our salvation has already appeared through Jesus Christ. His first coming assures his people of their final victory (Matthew 11:2-11).
Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
Behold, the Hope of the World “The prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of Christ (Isaiah 11:1-10), who will defend the afflicted and crush the oppressor (Psalm 72:1-7). In light of the Savior’s arrival, John the Baptist calls us to repentance (Matthew 3:1-12). We praise God for his marvelous deeds (Psalms 72:18-19). Because of Christ, the root of Jesse, we have hope for the future through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:4-13).”
