2nd Week of Advent
Have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28)
The Israelites needed a wake-up call. Living in exile, surrounded by pagan gods, many of them began to think that Yahweh was just one among many deities. So while we may think that the prophet’s question is almost comical—of course God created everything—he was very serious. The people should never forget who God really is!
We may not be surrounded by pagan gods, but the daily grind of our busy schedules can certainly numb us to the astounding realities of who God is. We can become so used to the “concept of God” that we forget how real, how powerful, and how all-encompassing he is. In fact, many of us probably see a crucifix every day, whether at our homes or in church. But how often are we awestruck at God’s immensity? The maker of the universe is our friend! He who separated the heavens and the earth is our Father!
God is so much more than an abstract concept or a distant deity. The Israelites in exile faced the temptation to relegate God to the margins, considering him the “god” that their ancestors worshipped in Jerusalem. Some of them thought that the
Babylonian gods were better and were more suited to their situation. Don’t let that happen to you! Remember that the God we worship, the God of your ancestors, is a living, active, all-powerful God. He isn’t one viable option among many competitors. He is, and everything else comes from him.
As you pray today, let the reality of God, your heavenly Father, fill your imagination. Read today’s first reading aloud, slowly and prayerfully, and ask the Holy Spirit to amaze you with the immensity of who God is. Let this passage stretch your thoughts and give you a glimpse of the depth and breadth of the One who made you and who loves you. And then bow down before him. Worship him. Proclaim his greatness. As you do, you’ll find him drawing you into a deeper love for him and a greater surrender to his ways. His love for you will fan into flame your love for him!
“Almighty God, I bow before you. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing you are! All I can do is sit in awe and surrender my life to you.”
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10
Matthew 11:28-30
Daily Marriage Tip for December 10, 2014:
Sit down with your spouse and look at some of your favorite photos from the past year. Was there an unexpected blessing? Give thanks.