An Advent devotional on confession

This week I would like to share an

Advent devotional written by Pastor Matthew Richard in his book “Minute Message.” Gods’ blessings on your week.

“He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ.” John 1:20

To confess is to declare or speak openly. To confess is to speak with a free tongue about the truth-about reality. This is what John the Baptist did. He confessed that he was not the Christ and then pointed away from himself.

Like John the Baptist, we do not need to run to theories, ideas, or concepts when we are confronted by challenging ideologies and difficult conversations. We confess the reality of what happened.

And what happened?

What happened is that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

All of this happened in real time, space, and history. Therefore, we confess it because it is true.

And so, just like John the Baptist, who points away from himself to Christ, we Christians point away from ourselves to Jesus and what He did for us and the entire world.

Firmly in His Grip, Pastor Tim Homan

( Pastor Tim Homan serves both Grace Lutheran and Mammoth Lakes Lutheran churches. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St. Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. Mammoth Lakes Lutheran Church is located at 379 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth. Sunday service us at 8:45 a.m. For more information, call (760) 872-9791.)