Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 24
Advent – Day 24
Growing in wisdom and favor. In this last but one edition, Guest contributor Dr. John Schwandt, reminds us of the honor we have to be called Children of God. Thank you for all your support as we journeyed through the birth of Christ with its practical application in our lives today. Don’t miss today’s premier launch of Dr. Susan’s Corner. May this season bring you much needed cheer, strength and renewal of spirit and purpose!
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 5-9
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Devotional Thoughts
This verse maintains Luke’s rhythm of switching between accounts about John the Baptist and Jesus. The first couplet is a pair of great announcements: the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth (Lk 1:5–24) and the announcement of Jesus’ birth (Lk 1:26–56). Then, the couplet repeats with depictions of their births, statements of acceptance and mission, and conclusions testifying to the Lord’s provision. Both babies had unbelievable beginnings, but as the angel told Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).
Luke 2:40 (like Luke 1:80 for John) confirms that the unbelievable has come to pass. This verse lets us rest in the knowledge that Jesus thrived in body (strength), mind (wisdom), and spirit (favor of God).
Peter instructs us to grow similarly. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the honor both now and on that eternal day” (2 Peter 3:18).
Application
It is good to rest with this verse. Consider all that came before, and is now confirmed. Mary had to make a difficult journey late in her pregnancy, and the baby had to be born in the humble estate of a stable. But Luke immediately follows up with this baby being approved in the greatest of structures: the Lord’s temple. This verse marks a fine place to meditate on the prophecies Luke records and treasure the words in our hearts.
The Lord does so much more than merely provide; he bestows honor on his people, his children. As a child of the Lord, consider the honor you have.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are faithful and have not forsaken your children. Thank you for sending your Son. Glorify his name for His worthiness ever increasing with his compassion. Thank you for providing for him and now providing for us. Continue enlightening our eyes and hearts to your love and strengthening us to multiply your love. Increase our strength, fill us with wisdom, and be pleased with our thankful hearts. To Jesus be the glory. Amen.
Dr. Schwandt is the founding president of Redemption Seminary. He is the author of a comprehensive beginning Greek grammar, An Introduction to Biblical Greek (Lexham Press, 2020). He was the general editor of the English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament: English Standard Version (Crossway Books, 2006), and he recorded an audio version of the Greek New Testament for the German Bible Society. You have heard his voice if you have clicked on any Greek word to hear it pronounced in Logos Bible Software.. Schwandt earned his doctorate in Bible translation at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.
Previous Devotional
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 23
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