Draw Near Advent Devotional

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Draw Near: An Advent Devotional by the Wellspring Network
Advent Devotional :: Introduction
Draw Near
When serving communion to one of our parishioners under the age of seven or in a wheelchair, we often kneel to make the bread and cup more accessible. When thinking about the essence of Advent, this image comes to mind. At Advent, we celebrate the Almighty Creator of the Universe coming close, kneeling before his creation as a servant to offer life and salvation. God stooped down.
God, far off, holy, and completely mysterious, drew near to us in the person of Christ – he came close enough for us to touch his beard, memorize his laugh, rest our heads against his chest and feel his heart beat.
Yet we know that often this season is marked by a general state of frenzy, rather than drawing near to God. We hope this special project provides you with a daily rhythm that cuts through the frantic rush and straight to the Heart of Love. We’ve compiled voices from our laity and clergy across the Wellspring Network to bring you our very rst Advent Devotional.
How To Use This Tool
For our outline, we’ve drawn upon our rich Anglican tradition and the Book of Common Prayer. The BCP gives us a Daily Of ce (which simply means “daily service”) replete with several scripture readings for that day. Each one of our authors has chosen a scripture from the Daily Of ce readings to contemplate. Every morning of Advent, you’ll receive the devotional entry for that day. If you wish to go deeper, we’ve provided all of the Daily Of ce readings for that day at the bottom of the devotional.
We hope this tool helps you draw near to the one who draws near to us.
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Week 1
Sunday, November 29th
Today’s reading: Psalm 146
One of the blessings of children is that we are able to see with new eyes and experience Jesus in ways that we might not be able to do otherwise. Children provide a glorious picture of waiting and hope for Christmas morning that should be a re ection of the hope we have in the future coming of King Jesus.
In verse 5, the Psalmist writes: “Blessed is he.whose hope is in the LORD his God.” The word hope in this passage has the idea of waiting with hope. The object of this hope is Yahweh, our King, who gives reason for that hope. This is in contrast to the earthly princes who leave us wanting and whom we are cautioned against placing our hope in. As I read this passage, I’m given multiple reasons why this hope is well founded. It is a present hope as He has drawn near to us now. It is also a future hope in His forever reign.
My children started listening to Christmas music several weeks ago. They have been talking about
it almost every day. They are waiting with great anticipation and hope of what they will experience through the Advent season and on Christmas day. The unashamed delight and pleasure in their eyes and hearts spills out all over the place as they talk and plan for it. I frequently hear, “I just can’t wait any longer.”
I think the response of my children is the way we are intended to react as we read this passage. If we focus too much on the pain and evil around us, we lose hope. The more we think on our King—His triumph over sickness, death, injustice and evil, the more excited our hearts get. He is still in control of it all. He is victorious! He’s coming again! He’s coming for me! And like our children, we respond, “I just can’t wait any longer.” Our hearts spill out with the joy and anticipation as we wait with hope.
As we move into this Advent season, may our hearts wait with hope in the LORD our God and to the future, nal Advent of our great King Jesus.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 147, Amos 1:1-5, 13--2:8, 1 Thess. 5:1-11, Luke 21:5-19
Written by Matthew Rawlins Wellspring Englewood


Monday, November 30th
Today’s reading: Matt. 21:1-11
Every Sunday before approaching the communion table, we proclaim together:
Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
A few thousand years ago, these same words rang out in the cobblestone streets of Jerusalem. These are ancient words meant for the coronation of a king, come to save his people. These are shouts for a rescue. These are praises of happy relief. These are words asking for help and declaring that help has come all in one breath.
Hosanna in Hebrew simply means, Save, Please! Over the years, the linguistic meaning changed from a cry for help to a declaration that help had arrived: Salvation is here!
Earlier in the passage it says that Jesus created this coronation scene in order to ful ll what God had promised his people earlier.
See, your King comes to you.
This is what we celebrate and ponder during Advent. We recognize and celebrate the coming of the king: Salvation is Here! And we cry out for Christ’s rule to be established within ourselves and throughout the world, Save us, Please!
It is during this time that we as Christians feel this tension most acutely. The holy miracle of the King drawing near is pronounced in the changing of the colors, the beautiful liturgy, in the scriptures we read. Our hearts feel as if they might burst at this beautiful mystery of divinity dwelling among us.
Yet the holidays can also be the time when we are most aware of where His reign is not fully established: our broken families, our unmet desires and dreams, the generative poverty littering our city streets.
This is when we need Hosanna more than ever. We cry out to God for his help and we exclaim in joyful adoration the triumph that is ours. Christ has come, Christ is here, Christ is coming again. Let Hosanna this advent season be both our proclamation and our prayer.
....Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 1-3, Amos 2:6-16, 2 Pet. 1:1-11
Written by Leah Robin Wellspring Englewood


Tuesday, December 1st
Today’s reading: Psalm 5, 6
In these Psalms, we see David’s eloquent way of calling out to God for help. In several places, we see in his prayers a willingness to trust God’s goodness and love. In Psalm 5:3, he says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” He doesn’t wring his hands and wonder if God will show up. He has an honest expectation that God will hear him.
This past year, my heart’s cry has often been, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” as I watch news reports of evil appearing to have its way here on the earth.especially in the Middle East, near the very heart
of where God came near the rst time. It’s tempting to see and experience the effects of both natural and moral evil, and to question whether God is really good. On the other hand, we often think that if God is really good, he can’t also be wrathful and angry. We want a tame God, but we want justice too. Can we have it both ways?
But David knew that apart from a healthy knowledge of God’s keen sense of justice, His goodness
is really meaningless. If we cannot hold onto an image of God as one who, as David says so many times, destroys (5:6), detests (5:6), banishes (5:10), and hates (5:5) evil, how can we draw near to Him in his goodness and love? Will He sit by forever and watch injustice and evil prevail and prosper? Absolutely not! We can draw near in expectancy, trusting that God does justice a lot better than we ever could. We can also open our hearts to forgive, love, and be people of justice.because Jesus Christ will come again, and He will set things right!
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Amos 3:1-11, 2 Pet. 1:12-21, Matt. 21:12-22
Written by Candice Craig Wellspring Littleton


Wednesday, December 2nd
Today’s reading: Psalm 12-14
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:5-6)
In Advent, we not only look back two thousand years and remember God’s work of salvation accomplished in the birth of a little baby named Jesus, but we look forward and trust in God’s present and coming work of salvation in our lives and in our world. Salvation is not so much an event in history, as it is an enfolding reality—God’s reality—in which we participate. That stunning reality is nothing more or less than the person of Jesus. Jesus inserted himself into our human existence as one of us to be WITH US and FOR US. Two thousand years later, that hasn’t changed.
The salvation that has come to us in the incarnation of Jesus is for the sake of the entire cosmos, working the reality of redemption into everything that is. But God’s salvation in Jesus is also immensely personal—it is for YOU, here and now. What is more, Jesus’s assumption of our humani- ty assures that his work of salvation is not only spiritual but physical and bodily. Jesus embodied the fullness of a human person in order to redeem the fullness of our human persons.
Jesus is present to us now by his Spirit and his work of salvation in our lives is far from nished. Today, will you embrace God’s ongoing work of salvation in your life, even as God—in Jesus embraces you? This Advent, may we rejoice in the nearness of our Savior who has forever united himself with us for our salvation. Amen.
....Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Amos 3:12--4:5, 2 Pet. 3:1-10, Matt. 21:23-32
Written by Zach DeBoer Wellspring Englewood


Thursday, December 3rd
Today’s reading: Psalm 18:1-20
“I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” I. Am. Saved. Such assurance. David, in all his poetry and fervor, writes this Psalm as one who’s deeply convinced of the Lord’s delivering power. So aware of the Lord’s past goodness, he can dare to ask audacious things of his Father despite hopeless circumstances. No amount of suffering can mar this assurance. Spurgeon writes, “How happy a thing to receive fresh mercy with a heart already sensible of mercy enjoyed, and to anticipate new trials with a con dence based upon past experiences of divine love!” It is with this heart, already sensible of mercy enjoyed, that David cries out in agony. And awaits his rescue.
“The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the
cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.” Written by a man typically marked by his courage, these are bitter lines. His suffering sits heavy on his soul. There is no pretense or naïveté in his hope.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he
heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” What an honored position we hold with God, that our every supplication reaches Him. Not only do our words fall on receptive ears - they can penetrate the heart of the Almighty.
“The foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry.
Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring re from his mouth.the foundations
of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord.” The most immovable objects tremble as a result of prayer. And God’s wrath – there is nothing that angers him more than injury done to his children, his beloved. He comes down in might and fury and power, laying bare the very foundations of the earth. Prayer moves the heart of heaven and the spines of earth.
“He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me
from my strong enemy.he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” Foe defeated, the Lord goes a step further to deliver the captive to freedom. He hears our cries, he is moved to compassion, he acts with might and power, he enacts justice, he delivers, he restores. This is the great privilege and honor given to his beloved, to those he delights in. Why he should delight in us is a great mystery, but the fact remains. We are His beloved and He delights in granting us favor.
As we wait in anticipation of Christ’s birth, sit in an awareness of the great lengths your
Father will take to rescue you - the pinnacle of which is made evident in the gift and
sacri ce of his Son. Whatever pain, seemingly large or small, marks this season of your life,
be reminded that there is no injury done to your soul that does not deeply move the heart of God. And no lengths he won’t take to save you.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Amos 4:6-13, 2 Pet. 3:11-18, Matt. 21:33-46
Written by Haley Smith Wellspring Littleton


Friday, December 4th
Today’s reading: Psalm 16
“What do you want to be when you grow up? Are you going to college? When are you getting married?” Do any of these questions sound familiar to you? Maybe you have another life question that is currently plaguing you.
As an advisor at a university, I get to interact with students asking questions like these, all with the predominant question: “What does God want me to do with my life?” I tell them that for most of us, adulthood is just a continuation of seeking the answers to this question. It’s not entirely comforting to them to know that the striving for these answers might not end, but it also normalizes the questioning process.
It’s not that seeking the path to your life is a bad thing in and of itself. The path, while signi cant, is simply subordinate to the abundance of satisfaction found in His presence, and it is in seeking the presence of the Lord that the paths of life become apparent. Psalm 16:11 tells us, “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
During Advent, we contemplate God’s plan of drawing near to us, of becoming Immanuel. While we may be trying to gure out the speci cs of what God wants us to do with our lives, we can nd in his presence the peace and fullness of joy and pleasure that beats any answer to any question we could ever ask.
..Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 17, Amos 5:1-17, Jude 1-16, Matt. 22:1-14
Written by Stephanie Wise Wellspring Englewood


Saturday, December 5th
Today’s readings: Amos 5:18-27, Jude 17-25
The beginning words of Amos 5 startled me upon rst reading. Are we not supposed to long and desire for the coming of our Savior.now? Forward thought and motion, after all, are what I know best, are what our culture prizes, even in such rich seasons as now.
In rushing us through seasons, advent, and to the second coming, I attempt to toss us all at the feet of Christ without praying or advocating for the redemptive work that must take place before we can touch His cloak, feet, kingdom and not be utterly destroyed by the holiness of it all.
There is much to anticipate. Children of all ages countdown to the adventus, the “coming” of Christ, whether for the presents that accompany the celebration, the beloved story of a baby boy and bright star, or the hope of a better place.
But the coming is not prophesied as a day of pure light, for many of the people checking off days and stringing up bulbs may not yet be aware of the true story and light of the world. I’m rushing towards the celebrations, dazzling stars, and promises of God without acknowledging that we are all not yet light- lled.
Advent is not Lent. I’m not beckoning us all into a state of repentance and despair. Rather I am asking us to slow, to forfeit our restlessness, and to recognize God’s divine hold on the passing of days, each of them holy and needed.
Leaning, after all, requires some movement but also a rugged stillness. We must x our mind and feet; then lean into the sturdy one. Try to move at a different pace than the one who holds you upright. Try to run and lean. The result will surely be comical, if not outright dangerous.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21).
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 20, 21:1-7, Matt. 22:15-22
Written by Brittany Sherman Wellspring Littleton


Week 2
Sunday, December 6th
Today’s reading: 2 Thess. 1:5-12
The Advent season is not only about celebrating Christ’s rst coming, but also a time of preparation for His second coming. It is easy to downplay the topic of Jesus’ return because we don’t want to look like fanatics. But there are over 300 references to His return in the New Testament. And, in the New Testament, almost every moral command is connected to Christ’s second coming. The fact that Jesus could return any day should transform us in at least two ways:
1. Grace for those who cause trouble
In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9, the hurt and hardship they experienced resulted from their desire to participate in the Kingdom of God. Paul seeks to reassure them that in the second coming their suffering will be rewarded and no one will get away with anything. When we realize that God is the ultimate judge, we can endure injustice and freely love because Jesus will set all things right.
2. Enliven our daily life
In vs. 10, Paul emphasizes our identi cation with Christ and that in the second coming we will share in His glory. This future hope should bring great joy and enliven our daily life. In the words of
Richard Baxter, “If you would have light and heat, why are you not more in the sunshine? For want of this recourse to heaven, your soul is as a lamp not lighted, and your duty as a sacri ce without re. Fetch one coal daily from this altar (meditation on the second coming), and see if your offering will not burn . . . Keep close to this reviving re, and see if your affections will not be warm.”
..Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 148-150, Amos 6:1-14, Luke 1:57-67
Written by Billy Waters Wellspring Englewood


Monday, December 7th
Today’s reading: Rev. 1:1-8
It seems odd to be reading in Revelation in the midst of Advent, a season devoted to preparing a way for the Lord. But as we read through the rst words of John’s vision, we see clearly what we are preparing for.and what is already here. We see a God who is near, yet on His throne. We have joined the chorus singing of His glory; we have drawn near to Him. Him who “was and is and is to come” (Rev. 1:4) is here among us. He who lives outside of time dwells close.
Do we live this way? Do we live daily remembering that He “loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom” (Rev. 1:5-6). He has made us a kingdom. Let’s dwell in that truth for a minute. Like the words of the Lord’s Prayer, which we pray each week, “on earth as it is
in heaven.” That kingdom is here, in the neighborhoods of Littleton and Englewood, and it is at the same time present in the heavenlies, where we nd ourselves in our reading this morning. The heavenly portrait that is painted in Revelation is one where we, as Paul wrote, “pray without ceasing,” but are we saving that attitude of a prayerful, worshipful life for heaven? Or can we make space for more of Him here on Earth?
Let’s have a Revelation attitude this Advent. Let’s remember what is to come, and live into that Kingdom mindset today. How can we sit at the foot of His throne today?
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 25, Amos 7:1-9, Matt. 22:23-33
Written by Rachel Miller Wellspring Littleton


Tuesday, December 8th
Today’s readings: Rev. 1:9-16
The apostle John was worshipping in the Spirit when he heard a loud voice. He “turned to see the voice” that was speaking to him. With spiritual eyes, John saw Jesus robed as king in all His majesty, dwelling in the midst of His church, intimately acquainted with all that His people were patiently enduring and suffering. John, overcome by the sight of King Jesus in the brilliance of His power and glory, fell in awe and fear.
John saw Jesus as King and the Kingdom as a visible REALITY. Do we experience the reality of
a tangible kingdom and Jesus as the conquering and reigning King? Why don’t we “see”? We, too, need to “turn” to “see” the invisible Kingdom, the reality that is truer than the world which we visibly see. What are the things and who are the clamoring voices which we allow to distract us from turning toward the One who is continually speaking to us? Are we too busy to make time for Him and allow His Word to pierce our hearts?
Lord, forgive us. How easy it is for us to seek Your mighty hand for provision and protection, yet we are so reluctant to submit to Your rule over every area of our lives. Reveal the areas of our hearts where we do not truly believe that You are always loving and good. We confess our stubborn self-suf ciency and rebellious independence. We desire to yield our wills to You, our gracious King. Enable us to turn away from all that interferes with our devotion to and adoration of You. Give us eyes, minds and hearts which willingly turn to see You and Your Kingdom here and now. Help us to be aware that You are sovereign in the war that is raging around us in the unseen spiritual realm. May we be unafraid to draw near to You at Your throne to receive the grace we need to persevere and overcome until Your Kingdom is fully revealed.
....Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 26, 28, 36, 39, Amos 7:10-17, Matt. 22:34-46
Written by Patty Stitcher Wellspring Englewood


Wednesday, December 9th
Today’s readings: Rev. 1:17--2:7
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the rst and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive. I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance. [and how hard you try to do everything right] .. But this I have against you, that you have left your rst love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at rst; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place – unless you repent. (Revelation 1:17, 18; 2:2-5.)
One year my daughter Caroline begged to get a dog for Christmas. When we nally relented, she spent weeks searching the newspaper for just the right dog (pre-Craig’s List). She found Andy, a beautiful English springer spaniel. We called him Andy Dog to avoid confusion with my nephew of the same name -- only my family could be confused by that -- anyway, it stuck. After three days of ownership, Caroline declared him the family dog. Every mother knows what that means.
Andy Dog and I became fast companions. He followed me everywhere throughout the house. If I was working in the yard, he was my helper. If I picked up my keys, he “called shotgun” and raced me to the car. He just wanted to be near me. But, he was also a springer spaniel, a hunting breed. He loved the chase and sometimes when he ran, with his ears ying above his head, his tongue hanging out, and mischief in his eyes, he would lose his way and forget where he came from. I would search for him and bring him home.
Like Andy Dog, I unwittingly ran away from home. I was chasing The Dream – family, career, and homemade cookies. I too left my rst love and got lost. And like a master after a beloved dog, Jesus came after me. He found me in a hospital – I wasn’t Super Woman after all. Jesus reminded me who He is and from where I had fallen. He brought me home.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 38, 119:25-48, Amos 8:1-14, Matt. 23:1-12
Written by Christy Beaton Wellspring Englewood


Thursday, December 10th
Today’s readings: Amos 9:1-10
In this passage, we are exposed to the unmediated wrath of God towards human sin. His declara- tions of destruction towards his people remind us of the impossibility of drawing near to him through our own effort and strength. After all, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, we are all part of the “sinful kingdom” (Amos 9:8). Depravity is a very inclusive phenomenon.
Yet, despite the theological validity of God’s wrath, descriptions such as these make us squirm with discomfort. God’s attitudes and actions towards corrupt Israel often do not align with our notions of how our God operates in relation to humanity. If we’re honest, passages such as this sometimes leave us wondering...
Where is God’s love?
Why is God not patiently pulling Israel up by its bootstraps, getting its people ready for another shot at righteousness?
How does the wrathful God t with the gracious God?
Is this even the same God?
The answer lies in the object of Advent’s anticipation. Because we cannot draw near to God ourselves, God draws near to us in the person of Jesus Christ. In doing so, he offers us an escape mechanism from his wrath. We who are in Christ no longer have to fear the type of retribution Israel experienced. The Virgin Birth marks the beginning of the reign of peace, love, and joyful thankgiving for the immense love of God towards humanity. “We love because he rst loved us” (1 John 4:19). We draw near because he rst drew near to us. Today, let us worshipfully re ect on the implications of God’s incarnation.
....Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 37:1-42, Rev. 2:8-17, Matt. 23:13-26
Written by Mike Sandgren Wellspring Englewood


Friday, December 11th
Today’s readings: Rev. 2:18-29
If I am honest, I tend to shy away from these types of passages because my conscientious personality immediately highlights the judgment. Jesus’ words “But I have this against you.” invite me to do anything but draw near. But that is exactly what we are invited to do this Advent season. And perhaps there is more of that sort of invitation within Revelation 2:18-29, than immediately meets our eyes.
The crux of the judgment is Jesus’ ire against Thyatira for “tolerating” a false prophet he provocatively calls “Jezebel” (See 1 Kings 16:29-33; 19:1-2; 21:1-28; 2 Kings 9:30-37 to see what an insult that was) who was seducing “my servants” to participate in the pagan cult practices involving sex and eating food sacri ced to idols. The temptation to downplay these sins was real as participation in these practices was essential for maintaining one’s place in secular society and economy. A zealous Jesus declares judgment on “Jezebel” as he ghts for the purity of his people.
For sincere Christ followers, what if we entrusted conviction to the Holy Spirit, left the judgment at the door, and allowed ourselves to soak up Christ’s af rmation? In verse 24, Jesus says, “But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching.to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.” That same erce Jesus essentially says, “This judgment isn’t meant for all of you. Don’t be burdened! Just keep it up!” May you draw near to Jesus and bask in his af rmation this advent season.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 31, 35, Haggai 1:1-15, Matt. 23:27-39
Written by Audrey Dreyer Wellspring Littleton


Saturday, December 12th
Today’s readings: Haggai 2:1-9
As a child hides, expecting to be punished, we often turn our faces and hearts away from God when sin has yet again crept into our house. The promises we made to ourselves are yet again broken and we know he knows. Some of us rage at our failings, throwing tantrums and slamming our hearts shut. Or, we isolate in shame and hide in corners of a once glorious space. But what we forget is that God is walking through that space, touching everything, residing within us. He is clearing the debris and blessing the beautiful mess of our beings. His spirit inescapably dwells in our spaces and bids us come out of hiding.
We cannot hide our aws, nor does he want us to. God is calling out to us, beckoning us out of our dark places. The space that was once pure and glorious, made dirty by sin, will be made new in him again. “I will ll this house with glory“ (Haggai 2:7). He prepares us for the increasing strife pressing in around us by allaying our fears and strengthening our resolve. We can be assured that by drawing near to him, we will be forgiven and can lift our gaze to his glory. “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear” (Haggai 2:5).
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 30, 32, 42, 43, Rev. 3:1-6, Matt. 24:1-14
Written by Annie Jenkins Wellspring Englewood


Week 3
Sunday, December 13th
Today’s readings: John 5:30-47
In Advent we long for the second coming of the Messiah. This is a season of preparation, of examining our own lives, of waiting and watching. The ancient Israelites read the Scriptures, poured over the Old Testament, looking and longing for the coming of the Messiah. They looked to the Scriptures to show them how the Messiah would return, when he would return, and what he might look like when he comes. However, what do we see in today’s passage? They didn’t recognize the Messiah when he showed up. They did not read the Old Testament in such a way that they were preparing their hearts to see the Messiah when he arrived.
How will Christ come a second time? Will he return as a lowly carpenter? No. He will return as a triumphant king reclaiming his land. How we expect Christ to return will dictate how we expect him
to act in our lives today. When we think that Christ is not powerful enough to change our hearts, we often don’t think of Christ as the conquering king. When we don’t think that Christ can change the political structures around us, we don’t believe that he is currently ruling at the right hand of the Father. When we recognize how Christ will return, we prepare ourselves to see how he can act today. Christ is our King. Christ is our Ruler. Christ will return to make all things right. Let us look for him. Let us anticipate his return. Let us long for the return of our king so that when he does come, we will see him for who he truly is.
How have you seen Christ in your life?
How might your prayers change, if you saw Christ as a conquering king?
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 63:1-11, 98, 103 Amos 9:11-15 2 Thess. 2:1-3, 13-17
Written by Tim Soots Wellspring Littleton


Monday, December 14th
Today’s readings: Psalm 41, 44, 52, Zech. 1:7-17, Rev. 3:7-13, Matt. 24:15-31
In each of today’s readings, there is a sense of foreboding and darkness. It is light that dispels the uneasiness of dark times; light that reveals the truth of every situation; light that attracts us to its source.
At creation, God fashioned light and proclaimed that it is good. Surely, we need that illumination to witness the beauty of His artistry and to see the immense need of the gospel in a broken and hurting world. Light stimulates growth and symbolizes understanding .... It truly is a good thing!
A brilliant star beckons the shepherds to the humble birthplace of Christ, Emmanuel. A light so important that wise men will use it to navigate their journey to encounter this Messiah. We remember the Incarnation with celebratory lights in Advent wreaths, candles on windowsills, and the goodwill of families coming together.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus is the light that directs our adoration to God the Father. The disciples (that includes you and me) are charged with bringing the good news to all corners of the world after the cruci xion and Jesus’ glorious resurrection.
This Advent, we contemplate the ful llment of the Kingdom coming and Christ’s return in triumph, power, majesty – accompanied by lightning and thunder. Once again God will provide light so compelling that we can do no less than praise the One who, by invitation, lovingly draws us near. Open your heart, open your Bible, and discover all that God desires you to know about Him and what He has in store for your life!
Written by Jane Scherlis Wellspring Englewood


Tuesday, December 15th
Today’s readings: Zech. 2:1-13 Rev. 3:14-22 Matt. 24:32-44
The set of readings from the Old Testament (Zechariah 2:1-13), the New Testament (Revelation 3:14- 22), and the Gospel (Matthew 24:32-44), emphasize God’s nearness to us.In each passage, we see God as directly involved in our affairs. From the visions of Zechariah, we have the promise, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord, with the repeated phrase: “I am coming and I will dwell in your midst.” In the letter to the churches
in Revelation, the Lord Jesus reminds us he is an attentive, watching presence to our activity in the church. Matthew’s report about the end of the age warns us to read the signs of the times and be ready for the Lord’s sudden return.
Our tendency of motion and activity should be checked in view of these three statements. God in the person of Jesus is the sun about to shine when the clouds blow off. He is already near and will draw nearer momentarily. Are we alert to this truth or distracted by our personal priorities?
How might we rein ourselves in to maintain a sense of Christ’s nearness? “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Engage in thanksgiving and/or confession via the Psalms. Look up to the night sky: “He numbers the stars and calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4).
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 45, 47, 48
Written by Tom Siekmeier Wellspring Littleton


Wednesday, December 16th
Today’s readings: Zech. 3:1-10
Advent is an interesting season of the church calendar. We are participating in the already, and the not yet. We remember the miracle of Christ drawing near to us, and yet at the same time, we wait. We wait for our invisible savior to come and be near to us once more.
In Zechariah 3, Zechariah watches as Joshua, the Israelites’ high priest, is being accused by Satan, and rightly so; he is covered in lth. This lth is excrement, the sins of Israel. It covers the priest and makes him repulsive to the heavenly host. And yet, God does not reject Joshua, but commands that he be clothed with pure vestments. God takes his sin away, and also tells him of a day ahead when all the sins of the whole land would be removed. The Branch, the Messiah, was to come and cleanse all the people of God. In a day ahead, everyone will live together peacefully in God’s kingdom.
In the span of ten verses, Zechariah points to before the advent of Christ, the day of His coming, and then ahead to the perfect peace of the fully inaugurated kingdom of heaven. We have seen Christ’s rst coming, when he rst drew near to us. In His nearness, our iniquities have been taken away in but a moment. We once were without hope, with no defense before the accuser. Now, because Christ has come near to us, to be one with us, we are blameless. But we have not yet seen that day of peace. Like Zechariah, we have seen a vision. Christ has drawn near to us once, and has clothed us in his own righteousness. Now, we too must wait and look forward to that day ahead when we will be at peace in His presence for eternity.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 119:49-72, 49, Rev. 4:1-8, Matt. 24:45-51
Written by Kyle Stanton Wellspring Englewood


Thursday, December 17th
Today’s readings: Psalm 50
Each week we gather as the people of God and keep the commandments given to us as the church. The reading of scripture, breaking of bread, confessing to one another sins, prayers of the people,
all acts that show signs of a people redeemed by a God with whom they have betrayed. Yet, look at this psalm and see that though there was no fault in the sacri ces, the Lord uses their worship as testimony against them. His reasoning is that though commanded to sacri ce, it is only trying to pay a debt with currency stolen from the lender; all is already His. Neither bulls, nor bread contain suf cient power to save.
Reread Psalm 50 and meditate on “God Himself is judge!” God; the God who comes; the one who will not remain silent; the one whose path is all consuming, devastating, burning with light and activity; the one who controls the storm, the judge of all, God. Understanding the weight of the offense He declares that mere practices are not enough. Our rebellion is a serious crime and in order for God to be just He must judge accordingly to make all things right.
Do we gather to do works that we believe can save? Or are we united by the beautiful truth that God, not leaving any sel sh destruction left unpunished, judged justly and then during sentencing turned and unleashed all righteous wrath upon himself. This is what it means for Christ to draw near, to nish the work he began on the cross, to prepare the world for judgment day. “Behold, I am making all things new.”
Only because we have been made new can we come in thanksgiving. Only in response to Christ taking our place can we now glorify Him and receive the salvation of God. Rejoice that we have a just judge, ruling the universe, preparing the world for his return to once again be near, forever more.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Zech. 4:1-14, Rev. 4:9--5:5, Matt. 25:1-13
Written by Jon Weeks Wellspring Englewood


Friday, December 18th
Today’s readings: Rev. 5:6-14
I imagine Him standing there, blood dripping down His face, staining His skin. I imagine you and me surrounding Him, feeling a sense of sorrow and uncontrollable joy. The chapter begins with John weeping. There is no one who is worthy to break the seal and open the scroll. And John weeps in deep sorrow.
I hear the angel’s voice booming in my ears, “Who is worthy?” I take that to mean that I must somehow measure up. My heart becomes harsh as I demand myself to be “better.” I will read more, pray more, strive for more purity before the Lord. And then I read John’s response to his own lack of worthiness and am amazed. He weeps. He mourns. And this softens His heart to receive the good news.
The chapter continues. John sees the Lamb. He stands with blood covering his face, but not His eyes. His eyes look deep into yours as He takes the scroll that we are unworthy to open. He comes slain. He is a mess. Blood, bruises, and gashes so gory you would never allow your children to see. He did not come to us cleaned up. He comes as a mess. He comes in raw brokenness. And He invites us to do the same.
“Do not clean up your act,” I hear Him whisper. “Come as the mess you are. Receive my mess for your mess.” He invites you to stop trying and weep. Weep with grief of your unworthiness so that your heart may soften. Weep with joy that He is worthy so that you may receive His life.
As Advent approaches, draw near to the Lord. Close your eyes and see Him standing there, looking as if He had been slain. Accept His mess for your mess. And then cry out in all joy, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 40, 54, Zech. 7:8--8:8, Matt. 25:14-30
Written by Whitney Milton Wellspring Englewood


Saturday, December 19th
Today’s readings: Matt. 25:31-46
Drawing Closer to Christ through the Poor
The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” Psalm 12:5
And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.” Matthew 25:40
This is the season when I look to the coming of the Christ as a time of rejoicing and praise. It is also a time in which I have the opportunity to look to those that Christ often talked about and
ministered to. The poor, the disenfranchised, those on the margin, those who were the most neglect- ed in society. The example that Jesus sets before me is one of humility, acceptance and action. I am challenged to understand kinship, realizing that I am closer to being like the poor and marginalized than different from them. I am called to action, not just for action’s sake but that I might draw closer to Christ by my taking a step toward helping and loving.
So, the challenge I face today is to look around and see where those on the margin cross my path. Where “the least of these” have a need that I might engage. Drawing closer to Christ in both the quiet of my heart as I look at what I can learn from my brothers and sisters in need. Drawing closer to Christ as I step out of my comfort zone and serve those around me who are created in God’s image but life and many of its comforts are not the same for them.
I praise the opportunity to draw closer to Christ by following the example He set for me.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 55, 138, Zech. 8:9-17, Rev. 6:1-17
Written by John Nordlander Wellspring Englewood


Week 4
Sunday, December 20th
Today’s readings: John 3:16-21
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” as Paul tells us in Romans 8. There is no condemnation for past sins, for regrets, for things we did or should have done. This is one of the most beautiful truths we could ever speak over one another. However, we often let the lies of our past, of our culture, of our families, of Satan take us away from this truth. We believe that we do stand condemned and we must become “good enough” to stand before God and hear that he is pleased with us and that he loves us.
When Christ came into this world, he came because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). He came because he desired you, he sought you, he loved you so much to give his life for you to have life in him. We often meditate on and quote John 3:16 as a reminder of the goodness of our salvation, but we must not forget John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Christ’s purpose was not about condemning us, but drawing us into relationship with him to save us. We stand condemned apart from Christ because we are fallen and sinful people, but in and through him we are released from a life of condemnation!
Christ drew near to us in the rst coming because of his deep love for each one of us. And now he calls us to draw near to him to receive freedom: freedom from guilt, from self-doubt, from shame, from the lies of not being good enough, from any condemnation. Draw near to him as he has drawn near to you and experience the life and freedom he has for you.
..Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 24, 29, Gen. 3:8-15, Rev. 12:1-10
Written by Katie Gayle Wellspring Englewood


Monday, December 21st
Today’s readings: Luke 1:1-25
Recently my husband Loren was hospitalized. I saw it as my job to stay with him at the hospital and advocate for him. Loren was hooked up to an IV and to make matters worse he had a terrible case
of hiccups with diaphragm spasms on and off for two weeks. At one point his hiccups had stopped and he was sleeping so peacefully when the alarm went off on his IV. I jumped out of bed to silence the machine and hit “pause” and that’s the last thing I remember. Evidently I fainted, out cold. When I came to I could not believe what had just happened, and neither could the bevy of nurses and CNAs in the room. I went back to my bed and said “really LORD”? How in the world can I advocate for Loren with my head in total confusion? And the Lord answered me. “I don’t need your intellect. I want your faith.”
Isn’t that what happened with Zechariah? His brain got in the way. The sad part of this story is that Zechariah did not get to leave the temple kicking his heels and wildly proclaiming the goodness of God in giving he and his barren wife a son, the forerunner. Zechariah did not get to tell the worship- pers that their prayers were answered, or Elizabeth that their son was going to be a joy and delight to them. He missed the opportunity to tell the world that the savior was coming, that the fullness of time had come. So I ask you and myself - how is my intellect getting in the way of God? Where am I overthinking and lacking faith? Do I believe that God needs my intellect?
Oh LORD I don’t want to miss the opportunity to proclaim your amazing goodness – please don’t let my intellect get in your way. When You send me Your message may I receive it in faith.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 61, 62, Zeph. 3:14-20, Titus 1:1-16
Written by Adele Funk Wellspring Littleton


Tuesday, December 22nd
Today’s readings: Luke 1:26-38
So what does it take to get your attention these days? ...a colorful sunset? ...a blustery snowstorm? ...a sparkly Christmas tree? What is it that God might be using to draw you into His holiness as we approach Christmas Day? As we consider drawing near to Christ this Advent season, we are receiving an invitation from our Lord. We are being INVITED to draw near...we are being beckoned, encouraged, compelled, drawn if you will.
To draw near is to put ourselves in submission to Christ. Mary declares in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant.... may it be to me as you have said!” We take Mary’s lead in accepting our place in the King- dom. We step into a place of holiness and offer our open hearts to Christ. It is an act of obedience, not so much about OUR response, but about submission to Jesus’ beckoning.
As Christmas draws near, the frenzy is upon us, right? It’s tempting to lose heart, and defer any sense of quiet holiness to the realm of New Year’s resolutions. But take a deep breath in this very moment. Be still for just a moment and allow yourself to be drawn near into the grace of God’s saving love. He saves us from the madness. He wants to enfold us in His love in this moment, in this season. Allow yourself to be drawn near.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Psalm 66, 67, 1 Samuel 2:1b-10, Titus 2:1-10
Written by Audrey Cheadle Wellspring Englewood


Wednesday, December 23rd
Today’s readings: Psalm 72, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, Luke 1:39-48
Wellspring family! It is such an honor to get to spend this time with you and God this day. As I write this, I am thinking of many of the friends who remained at Englewood after we planted in Littleton, and my heart is full as I think of the unity that will come through spending this season praying and drawing near TOGETHER, as one body. I am looking forward, as well, to worshipping together at the Christmas Eve service.
I, like many of you, love being Anglican. I love living an ordered life centered on prayer. I love the fact that we follow the church calendar, and I love that we are given seasons to focus our hearts in a particular way. In this season of Advent, we are invited to wait on the Lord and draw near to Him as we remember his rst coming and look forward to his second coming.
Today, the 23rd day of December, we are nearing the end of this season of waiting and drawing near. Another reason that I love seasons like this is because every season of “doing” ends with a celebration! So, why do we celebrate? To understand why we celebrate, we look to 2 Samuel for the reason Mary, Elizabeth, and baby John the Baptist, still in the womb, celebrated over two thousand years ago. We see in verse 7, the beginnings of what became the expectations of Israel; that a king would come in the line of David who would reign forever. An oppressed people were waiting for a messiah; a liberator. The expectation was for political liberation, but the Spirit of God in Mary, Elizabeth, and John gave them a reason to celebrate beyond political liberation. Jesus brought true reason to celebrate in liberation from sin and death. Sit for a moment and consider the implications of this truth.
In the words of the Psalmist, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” As we near the end of our season of drawing near, take a breath and do not forget to CELEBRATE His coming!
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Titus 2:11--3:8a
Written by Derek Roberts Wellspring Littleton


Christmas Eve
Today’s readings: Psalm 89:1-29
On this nal day before the celebration of the advent of our King, we sing. We sing with Ethan, the lyricist of our song. He is of no consequence, save that he is the instrument of the wisdom of God to give our hearts a song. This song is not about him. Nor you. Nor me.
We sing with all eternity. We celebrate our God. His power was displayed when he brought order to the earth and set its foundations. In power, he sits on his throne – founded on righteousness and justice, exuding love and faithfulness.
In love he reached down. He called a people. He established a kingdom. From his heavenly throne he drew near. He found David. He anointed him with holy oil. He exalted him in glory. The love and faithfulness of God, exuded too, from his throne – an earthly throne, a throne that was near.
I will make him rstborn, highest of the kings of Earth. I will keep my love – my covenant – with him forever. I will establish his offspring – his throne – forever.
Yet David has passed. But his throne does not sit empty. One greater has come. Firstborn of creation. Firstborn of resurrection. Highest of kings. King of kings. One has drawn near, in love. For he is God. And this God is love. One was given–a child, a son. God’s throne is forever established. It is now a throne, and a king, to whom we can draw near.
This One is Christ. And we await his second advent. Wandering in the shadow of his humble throne
– wooden and splintered – we are of no consequence, save that we remain the instruments of God to bring near his love and faithfulness, righteousness and justice, to the world. Until he approaches. One last time.
Additional Daily Of ce Readings:
Isaiah 59:15b-21, Phil. 2:5-11
Written by Sam Butler Wellspring Englewood