Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas
By Todd Outcalt
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About this ebook
This charming devotional book takes readers on an inward journey to the miracle of Christ's birth in the little town of Bethlehem. Many who will read this book probably haven't actually traveled to Bethlehem. "But that is of little consequence to the adventure of arriving there, to the adventure of discovery that awaits the mystery and wonder in the birth of Jesus," Todd Outcalt writes. The devotions are both personal and challenging. "I hope readers can discover something new that they may have overlooked in the old, old story," says Outcalt.
It's important to stay alert on the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Outcalt reminds readers, for they may encounter Jesus in unexpected moments and surprising people or when they are most tired or confused. "The way to Bethlehem is saturated with stops and starts, with both darkness and light, with angels and the common touch of shepherds," writes Outcalt.
Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem contains devotions for the 28 days of Advent, the 12 days of Christmas, and the day of Epiphany. For small-group leaders, the book includes a 6-week study guide with weekly questions for reflection and conversation, a suggested scripture passage for each week, and an invitation to ponder the happenings of that week. As the Gospel of Luke attests, Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem is both an expectant declaration filled with mystery and a declaration of faith. Each day can offer these same expectations and wonders for readers if they open themselves to awe and joy.
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Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem - Todd Outcalt
ADVENT
Day 1
Being Alert
But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.
—MARK 13:32-36
Some years ago, during a lengthy trip through Europe via rail, my wife and I found ourselves perplexed by the myriad options available to us at the train station in Rome. There were dozens of names and numbers displayed on the overhead schedules, trains coming and going, and thousands of people clamoring about with their families and luggage. In short, we were bewildered, frightened, and certainly lost.
Fortunately, we had a guide who met us at the station and gave us both reassurance and instruction. Here is what you watch for,
she told us. Don’t become distracted by the hustle and bustle around you. Always keep an eye out for the porter. He will be on board and will give you instruction as to when you have arrived at your destination.
Our guide was most helpful. And I’m not sure we would have made it through Europe without her calm assurances and her steady hand.
Advent begins—and in fact, the entirety of the Christian journey begins—at the point where we accept Jesus as our Guide and begin to walk with his calm assurances in the midst of our fears. He’s going to meet us, he tells us. He’s going to show up, even if we don’t know when or how. Jesus even invites us to look for his presence in the lives and faces of others. He may come to us at unexpected moments or when we are most tired or worn or confused. He may show up at the beginning or appear at the end of all things, when we least expect God’s redemption or grace.
What a promise!
So, as Mark 13 tells us, we need to be ready for Jesus’ coming at all times, including during our Advent journey. We may encounter Jesus in those closest to us: a spouse, a son or daughter, a grandparent, or a neighbor across the street. The way to Bethlehem is saturated with starts and stops, with both darkness and light, with angels and shepherds. We may discover that, like that of the shepherds (see Luke 2:8-20), our journey to Bethlehem is not far; or we may have to travel a great distance to get where we need to be, as did the magi (see Matthew 2:1-12).
But the journey, as with every journey, begins with a single step: a step of faith; a lively step of confidence and watchfulness. Where do you need to be with God? Where might God be guiding you? What are you waiting