The Joy of Being Brought Back—Unwrapping Reconciliation: Advent Day Twenty
Read:
Romans 5:11 (NIV)
“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
Reflect
Christmas is about more than gifts and gatherings—it’s about restoration. In Christ, God has done the impossible: He’s brought us back to Himself. We call this reconciliation. It’s not just a theological word; it’s the heart of the gospel. We were separated, but now—through Jesus—we are brought near.
But how do we practically receive this reconciliation? And how do we make it a source of real joy? The answer is beautifully simple: we look to Jesus. We fill our hearts with the portrait of Christ found in the Bible—His words, His works, His love. Our joy in God is rooted in what we see and know of God in the face of Jesus.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:4–6 that conversion is about seeing “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” When we see who Jesus is and what He’s done, our hearts are stirred to rejoice—not just in what He gives, but in who He is.
So as you reflect this Advent, don’t leave the gift of reconciliation unopened. And don’t treat it as just a ticket to other pleasures. Open it. Enjoy it. Rejoice in Jesus Himself. Let your heart be satisfied in Him, your greatest treasure.
Quotes for Today:
“Jesus himself shines forth from the wrapping—the indescribable gift—as God in the flesh, and stirs up all our rejoicing in God.” – John Piper
“Rejoicing without the content of Christ does not honor Christ.”
Apply
Action Steps
Prayer Points
Romans 5:11 (NIV)
“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
Reflect
Christmas is about more than gifts and gatherings—it’s about restoration. In Christ, God has done the impossible: He’s brought us back to Himself. We call this reconciliation. It’s not just a theological word; it’s the heart of the gospel. We were separated, but now—through Jesus—we are brought near.
But how do we practically receive this reconciliation? And how do we make it a source of real joy? The answer is beautifully simple: we look to Jesus. We fill our hearts with the portrait of Christ found in the Bible—His words, His works, His love. Our joy in God is rooted in what we see and know of God in the face of Jesus.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:4–6 that conversion is about seeing “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” When we see who Jesus is and what He’s done, our hearts are stirred to rejoice—not just in what He gives, but in who He is.
So as you reflect this Advent, don’t leave the gift of reconciliation unopened. And don’t treat it as just a ticket to other pleasures. Open it. Enjoy it. Rejoice in Jesus Himself. Let your heart be satisfied in Him, your greatest treasure.
Quotes for Today:
“Jesus himself shines forth from the wrapping—the indescribable gift—as God in the flesh, and stirs up all our rejoicing in God.” – John Piper
“Rejoicing without the content of Christ does not honor Christ.”
Apply
- Are you enjoying Jesus as your greatest gift, or just using Him as a means to other things?
- How can you focus your joy today on who Jesus is, not just what He gives?
Action Steps
- Read a favorite passage about Jesus (like John 1, Luke 2, or Colossians 1:15-20) and thank Him for the gift of reconciliation.
- Take a moment to rejoice in Jesus—not just with your mind, but with your heart and words. Tell Him you treasure Him.
Prayer Points
- Thank Jesus for purchasing and giving you reconciliation with God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you make Christ Himself your deepest joy and delight.
Posted in Advent
Recent
Why Don’t I Care? Steps to Overcoming Spiritual Apathy
March 12th, 2026
One of the most frustrating parts of my life is that I’m not as passionate about God as I should be. I imagine many Christians feel similarly. There are some, however, for whom this feeling goes deep and lasts long.Some of us may find ourselves in the midst of a long stretch of feeling fairly indifferent about the things of God. We know that Bible reading, prayer, church involvement, missions, eva...
Encountering Jesus at Your Well: Finding Living Water in Places of Avoidance
March 9th, 2026
Take a moment and imagine a deserted landscape at high noon. Rolling plains stretch before you, perhaps a bit parched and brown. In the distance, mountain ranges frame the horizon. The heat is oppressive—the kind that makes most people seek shelter. At the center of this scene sits an ancient well, and beside it, a solitary figure waits.This isn't just any traveler resting from a journey. This is ...
No Service for Jesus is Small: The Mundane Matters
March 4th, 2026
Most of us live most our lives doing mostly mundane things. We might experience a few pivotal, defining moments in life. But most days we don’t get married, receive a positive pregnancy test, or achieve a breakthrough in our field. Most days, we’re commuting, studying, parenting, working, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, or paying the bills.Do those activities count in God’s eyes? Does the munda...
2026
February
2025
December
Advent Day One: He Seeks - He SavesAdvent Day Two: Are You Ready for Advent?Advent Day Three: The Gift Hidden in the WaitingAdvent Day Four: The Greatest Gift – God With Us and For UsAdvent Day Five: The Reason for Christmas—Victory Over SinAdvent Day Six: Christmas Shouts “Glory to God”Advent Day Seven: He Came to Bless UsAdvent Day Eight: The Anchor of God’s PromisesAdvent Day Nine: The Hidden Glory of the Son of ManAdvent Day Ten: Victory Over Darkness – Why Jesus CameAdvent Day Eleven: Love That Gives EverythingAdvent Day Twelve: God Speaks—The Word With UsAdvent Day Thirteen: Living in the Days of FulfillmentAdvent Day Fourteen: Mercy That Brings Us HomeThe Gift That Says, “You Are Enough” – Advent Day FifteenFrom Slavery to Sonship—The Gift of Belonging: Advent Day SixteenServed by the Savior—The Gift We Didn’t Expect: Advent Day SeventeenFrustrated Toward Grace—When God Won’t Let Us Settle: Advent Day EighteenThe Gift You Can Only Receive: Advent Day NineteenThe Joy of Being Brought Back—Unwrapping Reconciliation: Advent Day TwentyOpen the Eyes of Your Heart—Seeing Christ for Who He Is: Advent Day Twenty-OneFrom Shadows to Song—A New Heart for Christmas: Advent Day Twenty-TwoThe Peace Our Hearts Long For: Advent Day Twenty-ThreeChristmas—The “Yes” to Every Promise: Advent Day Twenty-FourGrace Upon Grace—The Heartbeat of Christmas: Advent Day Twenty-Five
No Comments