Intentionality for Advent - December 4

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14
Isa. 2:1-11; 1 Thess. 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26

This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on how we live our lives—specifically, how we might live in a way that allows us to receive the kingdom of God. The prophet Isaiah offers the house of Jacob a new way to live, proclaiming, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” It’s an invitation to embrace a different way of life so that God’s people may inherit a new kingdom.

Recently, I’ve had an interesting experience. I’ve been playing a lot of music, mostly with a trio consisting of bass, drums, and piano. In this group, I usually play the melody and, for now, I’m the only one willing to sing—which has been a huge stretch for me. We’ve been practicing for a few months, preparing for an upcoming gig, which includes a couple of cover songs.

Until a few days ago, I assumed that simply playing a song over and over would help me memorize the lyrics. But the words wouldn’t stick—not even the lyrics to the songs I’ve written! It’s the most bizarre thing: I can preach an entire sermon almost verbatim, multiple times, without a script, but I can’t seem to learn a song’s lyrics even after singing it a hundred times.

So, I decided to sit down and spend an hour learning the lyrics, line by line. I had to be intentional about it, and I’ve had to practice every day to get the words down for six or seven songs I’ll perform this Saturday night (including songs I wrote!). Here’s the insight I’ve gained: this same principle might apply to our faith lives.

While I deeply believe that worship shapes our Christian life (this is the foundation of our theology of worship), simply going through the motions isn’t the same as actively engaging in the kind of reflection and action that renew our commitment to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Faith isn’t just about repetition—growth includes intentionality.

Isaiah’s words, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” remind us that faith is not about doing things as we’ve always done them. It’s about setting aside time to intentionally reflect on who we are and who we are becoming. I’m praying that this Advent will be deeply meaningful and transformative for you. What might that look like in your life?

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  Where are some areas you have just been “singing” the song and not trying to learn the lyrics?  How can you deepen your practices to grow in your faith?