Artwork:
Nuevo Amanecer, (1987) is the main mural located in the ballroom, at the entrance of the Batahola Community Center, in Managua, Nicaragua and is called “Nuevo Amanecer” (New Dawn). The mural was painted by the group “Boanerges Cerrato” (International). Set during the revolutionary period of Nicaragua’s history, this festive and vibrant mural showcases people from diverse economic, social, religious, and political backgrounds offering gifts and looking to the Christ child as the focal point of life and new birth. Iconic figures such as Oscar Romero, Carlos Fonesca, and Che Guevara are depicted on the periphery highlighting the reality that religious, political and military leaders from throughout history are forced to reckon with Christ as the source of true life and hope.

Advent Devotional

If you’ve been a Christian for a while, the word “saved” may have lost its punch. Being saved, having a Savior, knowing God’s salvation, tragically, can fade to bland, meaningless clichés. Of course, you would answer a theological quiz correctly that, now that you trust in Jesus’ payment for your sins, you won’t go to hell. You might even be able to explain why you deserve to go to hell but, God, in His mercy, opened the door for you to go to heaven instead.

But do you feel the weight of that salvation? Do you ever feel about your heavenly Savior plucking you out of your sin in ways a drowning swimmer might feel after being thrown a life preserver? Part of your Advent reflections could include consideration of what your life would be like today if God hadn’t rescued you when He did.

Recently I shared a ride with three other travelers I had not met before. Two of the three were friendly and pleasant. The other was a complaint-machine. No matter what topic was brought up, he could shine his light of criticism on it and turn the atmosphere in the van to a dark gray. He had a gripe about the weather, the traffic, politics, food, his family, his neighbors, all dogs in general, and numerous cats in particular. It was almost comical except for how depressing his non-stop whining became. And then, it hit me: That’s exactly who I’d be if God hadn’t invaded my life with the good news of Jesus’ death. I have life – and have it abundantly! I do still complain a fair amount – more than I should. But I now see that God saved me from the destructiveness of my grumbling to make me into a person of praise.

Prayer

Our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
thank You for sending
your Son to save—not condemn—the world.
May every day be for me
a joy-filled celebration of Your salvation.
And may You open up my
mouth to tell others in this world of this wonderful news.