Advent 2023

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.   (2 Corinthians 4:18 - NIV)

As I was thinking about hope and the advent season, this verse from Second Corinthians stuck with me. In our busy lives, particularly during the holiday season, it is quite easy to focus only on what is seen. Our present activities, circumstances, joys and pains often consume our thoughts as well as our lives.

If we allow ourselves to step away from our busy lives and spend some time with God, we realize that while what we see may be chaotic, disappointing or tragic, what is unseen remains constant—and hope-filled. 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? God sent Christ to be the light in our darkness.

My wish for all of us is that Christ’s light will shine for you this advent season. 

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to the unseen.  When we become preoccupied with the temporary, busy rush of the season, turn our attention, and fix our hearts on things eternal, that we may find hope and rest in you.  Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Kathryn King, and read by Amy Large.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.