Artwork:
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, (1498) is a mural painted between 1494 and 1498 in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milano, Italy and represents the “Last Supper” between Jesus and His disciples. It depicts the dramatic scene described in several closely connected moments in the Gospels. Rejoicing with Jesus at the victory He was securing, we also rejoice at His incarnation and entry into the world.

Advent Devotional

As we saw yesterday, God’s love for the lost and rebellious people of His world was so great that He gave the One who was dearest to Him to rescue us from our sins and give us eternal life. God took the initiative; He took the first step. For while we were still dead in our trespasses and sins and not seeking God, He sent His Son Jesus to seek and save us by giving His life as a ransom for our sins (Mark 10:25). Out of love for the Father and compassion for His lost sheep, Jesus willingly came to earth and laid down His life for us on the cross (John 10:17-18). Jesus is the concrete demonstration of God’s love for needy sinners.

But God’s forgiveness and gift of eternal life are not automatic and they cannot be earned. They are gifts which must be received, and we do this by believing in Jesus. The first step in believing is gaining the knowledge that he was God’s Son, who died to pay for our sins and rose again from the dead. Many people believe at this level. But while this is necessary, it is not sufficient. True saving faith requires that we also assent to those facts and then put our trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, bringing “joy unspeakable” (1 Pet. 1:8 KJV).

Good Christian men rejoice With heart and soul and voice Now ye hear of endless bliss Joy joy Jesus Christ was born for this He has opened heaven’s door And man is blessed evermore Christ was born for this Christ was born for this.

Prayer

Thank You Father for taking the initiative,
for reaching out to me and demonstrating
Your abundant mercy and lavish love.
Thank You for offering Your only Son to bear
the penalty and weight of my sin upon
the cross. I believe in what He did for me.
I put my faith in Jesus as my
Savior. Help me to follow Him
day by day as my Lord.