The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional December 2024 Edition
The Secret Chamber, the Department of Church Growth and Development’s daily devotional guide, is herein recognized as an aid to worship; it is also made an official periodical of the Church and listed in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the annual report of the pastor on periodicals.
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Senior Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Erika D. Crawford, Commission Chair
The Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, Executive Director
African Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Church Growth and Development
The Reverend Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson, Copy Editor
The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Graphic Editor
Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, NRSVUE With the onset of growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, this edition provides a “ChatGPT Experience” to demonstrate how you might use AI as a resource to share encouragement with others. While AI programming provides a great shell, we recognize that nothing replaces our own voice in writing. An actual person enhanced each Open AI ChatGPT experience included to fit the context of this edition. Visit https://openai.com to explore the possibilities. December’s content was generated by ChatGPT, November 22, 2024, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com, and edited for style and content.
Luke 21:6-19
| December 1, 2024
6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” 7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them 9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance, you will gain your souls.
1st Sunday in Advent: Preparation for the Lord’s Calling
Advent is about the historical coming of our Lord and the second coming of Jesus Christ. During this season, we are called to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s coming.
In the Gospel of Luke chapter 21, Jesus instructs the disciples on the signs of the times and the coming of the Lord. Note the signs:
The temple will be destroyed. (6)
There will be false prophets. (7-8)
There will be “wars and insurrections” and conflict between nations. Believers will be “persecuted” and harassed. (12-18)
There will be conflict in Jerusalem. (20-24)
There will be climate changes. (25)
People will be overcome with “fear and foreboding.” (26)
All this will take place before the Lord “comes in a cloud with power and great glory.” (27)
In light of the text, we are not to be troubled by the results of the election or the threats to our well-being by racist misogynists aimed at the poor and oppressed. The Lord says, “lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” How are we to live in the midst of the signs of the times and the 2nd coming of our Lord?
First, we are to trust God’s word. We can depend on God’s word. When the political climate changes, distress, hardship, anxiety, and confusion are happening around us in our nation and world, we can depend on God’s word. Jesus assures us that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (33)
Second, we are to stay woke. I know “woke” is a bad word among conservatives, but our Lord demands that his disciples stay woke. Note that Jesus says, “be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down…” (34) Jesus also says to us, “be alert at all times praying that you may have strength…” (36) The Admonition is to stay woke “watch and pray.” The saints in Southeast Georgia used to sing a song, “Be ready when he comes; he’s coming again so soon.”
Pray: Lord, help me trust you and be on guard this season for signs of your presence.
Bishop Gregory Vaughn Eason, Sr. Presiding Prelate, 20th Episcopal District
Monday | December 2, 2024
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
HOPE: This Hope We Have
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation as we await the celebration of Christ’s first coming at Christmas and look forward to his promised return. It’s a time to reflect on hope hope that is rooted in God’s promises and his faithfulness. As we wait, we do so with expectation, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect.
This Advent, reflect on the hope we have in Christ, an unshakable hope, even in the midst of uncertainty or hardship. Scripture calls us to place our trust in God, who holds the future and has already fulfilled his promises in the birth of Jesus.
In the midst of darkness and uncertainty, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah, the one who would bring light and hope to a broken world. The hope of Advent is rooted in this promise that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring salvation. As we reflect on these words, we are reminded that Jesus’ reign will never end, and his peace is everlasting. We have hope because God is in control, now and forever.
Pray: Lord, help me to remember the light that broke through the darkness and the promise that you are with me always.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | December 3, 2024
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
HOPE: Bearing InAll Hope
This verse is a beautiful prayer for the believer, especially during Advent. Paul reminds us that God is not only the source of hope but also the one who fills us with hope through God’s Spirit. When we place our trust in God, joy and peace follow, and our lives overflow with hope. This is not a fleeting, worldly hope but a deep, spiritual hope that sustains us through trials and reminds us of God’s presence with us, always.
As you journey through this Advent season, reflect on the hope you have in Christ. Consider how you can share that hope with others whether through acts of kindness, prayers for those in need, or simply being a light in a dark world. Let this Advent be a season where you receive the hope of Christ and become a bearer of that hope to those around you.
Pray: Lord, help me to be a bearer of hope for others today.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | December 4, 2024
1 Peter 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
HOPE: Hope For What Shall Be
Peter reminds us that our hope is not based on temporary circumstances but on the eternal and unchanging promises of God. The birth of Christ, celebrated at Advent, is the beginning of the greatest act of mercy and grace his death and resurrection, which offer us a “living hope.” Our hope is anchored in the promise of an inheritance that is imperishable and eternal. This is the hope we celebrate during Advent the hope that Christ’s coming has secured for us an eternal future with Him.
As you reflect on these verses, take a moment to consider how your life would change if you lived fully in the light of this living hope. How can you encourage others with the security and confidence that comes from knowing our inheritance is kept in heaven, safe and sure? Consider taking time to pray, thanking God for this incredible hope, and think about ways you can share this hope with someone who might need it. Whether through a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or simply sharing the gospel, let this living hope shape your actions and your relationships.
Pray: Lord, fill my heart with joy and peace as I live in the light of your promises. Help me to live with confidence, knowing that my future is secure in you.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Thursday | December 5, 2024
Luke 1:68-70
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his child David, 70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
HOPE: Strengthen Our FaithAs We Wait
Zechariah’s words reflect the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel a salvation that would come through the Messiah. Advent is a time to remember that God keeps God’s promises, and the coming of Christ is the fulfillment of centuries of hope. As we reflect on these words, we are reminded that God’s promises are trustworthy and true, and they give us reason to hope, even when life feels uncertain or difficult.
Zechariah’s song is a powerful reminder that Christ’s arrival is cause for great joy and praise. Advent is a season of waiting, but it is also a season of hope hope in a God who is faithful, who comes to redeem all people, and who raises up a mighty Savior in Jesus Christ.
As we wait for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we are called to join Zechariah in praising God for the gift of salvation. We can do this by meditating on our hope in Christ, rejoicing in the redemption he has brought, and trusting that his promises will never fail.
Pray: Lord, thank you for the redemption you have brought to Israel and all who trust in you (including me).
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | December 6, 2024
Psalm 27:14
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
HOPE: Hope In the Midst Of Waiting
Advent is a season of waiting, and waiting can often feel like a time of uncertainty or even doubt. But it is also a season of hope. The waiting we experience during Advent is not passive but active. It is a hopeful waiting, one that looks forward with anticipation to the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as the Israelites waited for the Messiah, we, too, wait for Christ’s return, when he will make all things new.
As we reflect on the Scriptures of Advent, we see that hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation that God is a promise keeper. Whether in times of joy or hardship, hope is the anchor that keeps us steady, knowing that our Savior has come, is with us now, and will return to make all things right.
Pray: Lord, encourage in me a longing for the hope found in every season, confident that you are a promise keeper.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | December 7, 2024
Isaiah 43:1-3
1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Lord of Hope,
HOPE:APrayer Of Hope
Thank you for the hope that I have in Jesus Christ. In this season of Advent, I want to remember the light that broke through the darkness and the promise that you are with me always. Fill my heart with joy and peace as I trust in you and let your hope overflow. As I wait, help me anticipate the fulfillment of your promises, knowing that you are faithful and your timing is perfect. I look forward with hope to the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
Sunday | December 8, 2024
Luke 3:1-6
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
2nd
Sunday InAdvent: Prepare The Way For The Lord
As we enter the second week of Advent, the message of Luke 3:1-6 calls us to prepare for the coming of Christ both in the remembrance of His first coming and in the anticipation of His return. This passage introduces John the Baptist, the voice crying out in the wilderness, proclaiming a message of repentance and forgiveness. He calls people to “prepare the way for the Lord,” urging them to remove obstacles in their hearts and lives that would hinder their relationship with God.
John’s voice echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, calling for the leveling of mountains, the filling of valleys, and the straightening of crooked roads. These metaphors speak to the way that the coming of Christ transforms everything. The valleys of despair are filled with hope, the mountains of pride and self -sufficiency are brought low, and the crooked paths of sin are straightened by God’s grace. The advent of Jesus is the advent of salvation a salvation that levels all the things that stand between us and God, making a clear path for us to come to God. “And all people will see God’s salvation.” This is not a salvation reserved for a select few but a promise for all people.
Advent is not just about waiting but about preparing. How are we preparing for the coming of Christ? Just as John called the people to prepare the way for the Lord in the wilderness, we are invited to prepare the way for Jesus to enter into our hearts and lives. Are we making room for Him? Are we clearing away the distractions, the sins, and the busyness that crowd out His presence?
This season offers us a unique opportunity to engage in spiritual practices that help us “prepare the way” in our hearts. Prayer, confession, reading scripture, and acts of kindness and justice are all ways we can make a straight path for Christ to enter.
Pray: Lord, prepare my heart to welcome you more fully into my life in this season.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Monday | December 9, 2024
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
PEACE: The Promise Of Peace Through Christ’s Birth
Advent is a season that draws our hearts to the long-anticipated coming of Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. The message of Advent is not only about preparing for Christ’s birth but also about experiencing the peace that he brings to a world in desperate need of it.
In a world filled with turmoil, strife, and anxiety, peace can seem like a distant dream. Yet, the message of Advent is clear: peace has come in the person of Jesus Christ. His birth, celebrated at Christmas, is the arrival of God’s peace to a restless world.
Our text, sung by the heavenly host on the night of Jesus’ birth, is a declaration of God’s peace coming into the world. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring peace to his people. This peace is not simply an absence of conflict but a deep, lasting shalom a peace that restores broken relationships, heals wounds, and makes all things right.
The peace the angels proclaimed is a peace that comes through God’s favor and grace. It’s a peace that rests on those who trust in Christ, whose hearts are open to receiving the Savior. This peace is grounded in the reality of God’s presence with us, in the person of Jesus, who came to reconcile us to God and to one another.
Pray: Lord, help me to remain focused on who you are so that I am always resting in the peace that can only be found in my connection to you.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | December 10, 2024
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
PEACE: Peace In Our HeartsAnd Relationships
Advent invites us to embrace the peace that Christ offers both in our hearts and in our relationships with others. In Christ, we experience the reconciliation of our relationship with God, which leads to peace of mind and spirit. As we grow in our understanding of God’s peace, we are also called to be peacemakers in the world, sharing the peace of Christ with those around us.
This does not mean peace will always be easy to maintain, especially in a world marked by division and conflict. But it does mean that peace is something we are to actively pursue. As we receive the peace of Christ, we are to reflect that peace in our relationships, seeking reconciliation and harmony wherever possible. Advent is a time to reflect on how we can be instruments of peace in our homes, communities, and workplaces.
Pray: Lord, allow my presence to be an instrument of peace.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | December 11, 2024
Psalm 103:2
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits
PEACE: Peace IsAvailable
During this Advent season, as we wait and prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s remember that the peace we celebrate is not just an ideal or a distant hope but a real and present gift. Jesus has already come to bring peace peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others. This peace is available to us now as we open our hearts to Christ.
As we journey through Advent, let’s reflect on the peace Christ offers. Are we experiencing his peace in our own hearts? Are we extending his peace to those around us? May this season be a time of peace peace in our homes, peace in our relationships, and peace in our spirits as we prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace.
Pray: Lord, unearth peace within me.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Thursday | December 12, 2024
Revelation 21:3-4
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”
PEACE: The Peace Of Christ And Our Hope For The Future
Advent is also a season of hopeful anticipation not only do we celebrate the peace Christ has brought through his first coming, but we also look forward to the perfect peace that will come when Christ returns. When Jesus comes again, he will make all things new. There will be no more war, no more suffering, no more division. In his kingdom, peace will reign perfectly. We are given a glimpse of this future peace in today’s scripture.
This is the ultimate peace we look forward to the peace that comes when Christ returns and makes everything right. Until then, we live in the tension of already having peace in Christ, while longing for the full realization of his peace in the world.
Pray: Lord, give me peace about today as a right step toward my future.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | December 13, 2024
Psalm 107:1
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
PEACE:APrayer Of Peace
You are the Prince of Peace, and we thank You for the peace You bring to our hearts. In a world filled with anxiety, fear, and conflict, we find comfort and rest in You. Thank You for reconciling us to God and offering us a peace that surpasses understanding. Help us to live in the light of this peace, and to be peacemakers in our families, our communities, and our world. As we prepare to celebrate Your birth, fill us with Your peace, and may it be a witness to those around us. Amen.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | December 14, 2024
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
PEACE: The Peace Jesus Gives
In John 14:27, Jesus speaks directly to his disciples, offering them peace in the midst of uncertainty and fear. At the time, the disciples were troubled by the news of Jesus’ impending departure, and their hearts were heavy with questions and worries about the future. Jesus reassures them.
Notice the difference between the peace Jesus offers and the peace the world gives. Worldly peace is often temporary and dependent on external circumstances the absence of conflict, comfort, or security. But the peace of Christ is a deep, inner peace that comes from knowing we are loved, forgiven, and reconciled to God. It transcends circumstances and offers us calm in the midst of chaos.
The peace Jesus gives is rooted in the assurance that he has overcome the world. No matter what happens around us, we can experience his peace because it is founded on his presence with us and his promises. It’s a peace that sustains us in times of trouble and holds us fast in seasons of uncertainty.
Pray: Lord, thank you for keeping me rooted in your peace whenever there is uncertainty and challenge in my space.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Sunday | December 15, 2024
Isaiah 12:2-6
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say on that day: “Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
3rd Sunday InAdvent:
Praise And Thanksgiving
Isaiah 12 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating the salvation God would bring to His people. In the context of Advent, these verses invite us to remember and celebrate God’s saving work— both past and future. As we wait for Christ’s coming, we echo the prophet’s declaration: “Surely God is my salvation.”
In this season of waiting, we are called to trust, to have joy, and to proclaim God’s goodness. The image of drawing water from the “wells of salvation” is a reminder that Jesus is the source of life and hope. Through him, our deepest thirst is quenched.
Advent calls us not only to anticipate Christ’s birth but also to rejoice in the present reality of his salvation. Let us sing, praise, and proclaim his name, for Christ is with us now and forever. May this season deepen our joy as we look forward to his return.
Pray: Lord, thank you for showing me how to rejoice in my present no matter what the circumstance.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Monday | December 16, 2024
Isaiah 9:2-3
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
JOY: The Promise Of Joy
The prophecy of the coming Messiah in Isaiah is filled with joy. In a time of spiritual darkness and oppression, God promises to send a Savior who will bring light to the world. This light will not only illuminate the hearts of God’s people but also bring them abundant joy.
In Advent, we are reminded that the coming of Jesus the “light of the world” is the source of this joy. Just as people rejoice after a harvest or a victory, we are called to rejoice because Jesus has come to defeat sin and darkness. As you reflect on this prophecy, consider how the joy of Christ’s coming can illuminate your heart this season.
Pray: Lord, help me to rejoice in the light that fills me with the joy that only you can give.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | December 17, 2024
Luke 1:46-47
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
JOY: The Joy Of Mary’s Heart
When Mary, the mother of Jesus, received the news that she would bear the Son of God, her response was one of profound joy. She didn’t focus on the difficulties or challenges ahead, but on the incredible gift of salvation she would play a part in bringing into the world.
Mary’s song often called the Magnificat is a declaration of joy and praise for God’s faithfulness and mercy. Her heart rejoices because God has chosen her to bear the Savior of the world, and she recognizes that his coming is good news for all people.
In Advent, we can share in Mary’s joy as we remember that Jesus’ coming is a gift of grace, not just to her but to all humanity. No matter our circumstances, we can choose to respond with joy in the knowledge that the Savior has come.
Pray: Lord, help me celebrate Christ's coming with the same awe and wonder Mary did.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | December 18, 2024
Luke 2:10-11
10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
JOY: The Joy Of The Shepherds
The message of joy is proclaimed by the angel to a group of humble shepherds in the fields. They were ordinary people, far removed from the power and prestige of the world’s elite, yet they were the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth. This message is for everyone, regardless of status, wealth, or reputation.
The joy the angel announces is not just for the shepherds, but for all people. The birth of the Savior is the reason for this joy Jesus’ coming into the world marks the beginning of salvation for all who believe.
Today, share in the joy of the shepherds as we remember that Jesus’ birth is good news for everyone. Just as the shepherds went to see the Savior with great excitement, we are invited to approach Him with the same joy and wonder.
Pray: Lord, help me to experience the joy of knowing that the Savior is born for me.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Thursday | December 19, 2024
Luke 1:68-69
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his child David,
JOY: The Joy Of Zechariah
Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is filled with joy when he can finally speak again after his son's birth. His words of praise reflect his deep joy and gratitude for God’s salvation, which Zechariah recognizes is arriving through the birth of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah.
Zechariah’s joy is not just about his son, John, but about the fulfillment of God’s promises to redeem and save his people. He rejoices because God has acted in faithfulness to bring salvation to Israel and through Christ, to the world.
This Advent, like Zechariah, we can rejoice in the faithfulness of God to keep his promises. The coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s great plan of redemption, and it brings deep joy to our hearts.
Pray: Lord, thank you for fulfilling your promises and sending Jesus to redeem me.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | December 20, 2024
Matthew 2:10-11 10
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
JOY: The Joy Of The Wise Men
The wise men, who traveled from afar to find the newborn King, were filled with overwhelming joy when they saw the star guiding them to Jesus. This joy was not just a reaction to finding the child but to encountering the fulfillment of a great and holy prophecy. The long-awaited Savior had come, and they recognized Him as the King of kings.
Their response was one of worship they bowed before the infant Jesus and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The joy they experienced led them to worship, and in doing so, they acknowledged the worth and significance of the Savior.
As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we are invited to experience that same joy and respond with worship. This Advent, let your heart be filled with joy as you reflect on the gift of Jesus and bow down in worship before Him.
Pray: Lord, I bow before you in worship and thanksgiving, asking you to fill my heart with the joy of knowing you and help me honor you in my life.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | December 21, 2024
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
JOY:APrayer Of Joy
As we journey through Advent, let us embrace the joy that Christ brings. From the promises of the prophets to the songs of the angels, joy marks the arrival of our Savior. As we anticipate his birth, may our hearts be filled with the same joy that the shepherds, wise men, Mary, and Zechariah experienced. The joy of Christ’s coming is a joy that transforms us, leads us to worship, and compels us to share the good news with the world.Amen
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Sunday | December 22, 2024
Psalm 80:1-7
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. 4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure. 6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves. 7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4th Sunday InAdvent: Restore Us, O God
Today, we hear a heartfelt cry from the people of Israel, seeking God’s mercy and restoration. It is a psalm of lament but also hope that God, as the faithful Shepherd, will come to rescue them. In the midst of distress, the psalmist calls on God’s mighty power and pleads for God’s face to shine upon God’s people once again.
As we reflect on the 4th Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves in a similar posture of longing and anticipation. The people of Israel were waiting for the Messiah, the Savior, and so, too, we await the fulfillment of God’s promises. The cry, “Restore us, O God,” echoes in our hearts during Advent as we anticipate the coming of Christ. We are reminded that Advent is not just about remembering the birth of Jesus, but also about longing for the complete restoration that Christ’s second coming will bring.
In a world still broken by sin and suffering, we, like the psalmist, long for God’s intervention. We yearn for God’s peace, presence, and salvation. God has led God’s people through trials before, and God will continue to lead us through our own. Even in our darkest moments, God is near, ready to restore and redeem.
Pray: Lord, thank you for being a God in whom I trust.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Monday | December 23, 2024
1 John 4:9-10
9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
LOVE: The Love Of God Revealed In Christ
As we enter the Advent season, we are invited to reflect on the greatest love the world has ever known the love of God made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent is a time of anticipation, not only for Christ’s birth but for the profound and personal love he offers us through his coming.
In 1 John 4:9-10, the Apostle John reveals the depth of God’s love for us. It’s a love that was not initiated by us but by God. We didn’t earn it, nor did we deserve it. Instead, God sent Jesus into the world to make it possible for us to experience true life life through Christ.
This love is not just sentimental or abstract; it is action. The sending of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. In the person of Christ, God shows us his heart, his sacrifice, and his desire for reconciliation. Jesus came not only to be with us but to save us by taking our sins upon himself, offering his life as a sacrifice
As we prepare for Christmas, let us remember that the love we celebrate is a love that costs God everything. Jesus came to offer us life, and through his life, death, and resurrection, he invites us into the fullness of God’s love.
Pray: Lord, help me receive your love with an open heart and live in its light today.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | December 24, 2024
John 13:34-35
34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
LOVE: The Command To Love One Another
During the Advent season, we not only remember the love God showed us by sending Jesus into the world but we are also reminded of the command Jesus gave us to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus speaks to his disciples, calling them to love as God has loved them. This command was not just for the disciples of that time; it is a call for all of us, as followers of Christ, to love one another in the same way.
The love Jesus demonstrated was sacrificial, unconditional, and self-giving. It wasn’t based on the worthiness of others but on the grace and mercy of God. Jesus showed love by serving, by forgiving, by being present with those who were hurting, and ultimately by laying down his life for us.
In Advent, as we anticipate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that love is not just a feeling but an action. Love is embodied in the life of Christ, and he calls us to mirror that same love in our relationships with others. Our love for one another is a testimony to the world of the love of Christ that dwells within us.
This Christmas, let us reflect on how we can love more deeply how we can give of ourselves for the sake of others, just as Christ did for us. True love isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the everyday acts of kindness, sacrifice, and grace that point to the love of Christ.
Pray: Lord, teach me to love as you have loved me selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | December 25, 2024 | Christmas Day
Matthew 1:21
She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
The Promise of Salvation: There’s Still Hope
In the midst of life’s unexpected turns, God’s promises remain steadfast. The story of Joseph and Mary reminds us that even when our plans are interrupted, God’s divine purpose is at work.
Joseph, a just man, faced a difficult decision when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. Rather than acting hastily, he chose to sleep on it. In that moment of rest, God intervened through an angel, revealing the miraculous nature of Mary’s conception and the world-changing purpose of the child she carried.
The angel’s message brought a profound promise: “She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” This promise of salvation extends to all of us who have fallen short and sinned.
Jesus, our Savior, offers more than just forgiveness. He rescues us from spiritual peril, offering second chances and seeing beyond our faults to our needs. Christ’s journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross, and ultimately to His resurrection, fulfills this promise of salvation.
As we face our own challenges and interruptions, remember that what may seem obvious to us might be God’s divine setup. Our trials can become blessings, not just for ourselves but for others. In Jesus, we have a Savior who protects us at all times, offering hope and redemption to all who call upon His name.
Pray: Lord, help me to embrace the interruptions in my life as divine opportunities for your greater purpose.
The Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris Executive Director
Thursday | December 26, 2024
Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
The Light In The Darkness
The darkness Isaiah speaks of is not just physical darkness but the darkness of sin, fear, and hopelessness. Without Christ, we are trapped in this darkness, unable to find our way. But with Christ, we are given the light of life, a light that leads us out of darkness and into the glorious freedom of God’s love.
As we reflect on the light of Christ, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be bearers of this light.
Just as Christ is the light of the world, he calls us to reflect that light to those around us. As we follow Jesus, we become his witnesses, spreading his light to a dark world. Celebrate the arrival of the Light and your commitment to being that light in the world, showing God’s love and truth to those around us.
Pray: Lord, help me to bear your light with every person I engage today.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | December 27, 2024
Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts
Living In The Light
The coming of Christ’s light also calls us to live differently. To walk in the light means to live in the truth of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It means that we no longer have to stumble around in the darkness of our own understanding or rely on temporary, fleeting sources of hope. Instead, we can walk confidently in the light of Christ’s love, trusting that he will guide us through life’s challenges.
To walk in the light means to live with the hope that Christ brings, even in the darkest of times. It means allowing his presence to shine through us in our relationships, our work, and our service to others. It means refusing to hide or shrink back from the challenges and injustices of the world but stepping forward in the confidence that the Light of the World is with us.
Ask yourself: Where in my life do I still need the light of Christ to shine? How can I reflect Christ’s light to those around me? What does it look like for me to walk in the light of Christ in the coming year?
Pray: Lord, encourage in me a desire for deep reflection as a time of renewal as I seek to follow you more faithfully.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | December 28, 2024
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
The Consistency of God
As the year ends, it’s a natural time for reflection to look back and assess the highs and lows, the challenges and victories, the things we learned, and the growth we experienced. The end of a year is a moment to pause and remember how God has been faithful through every season.
The book of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. While our circumstances may change, our health may fluctuate, and the world may seem unpredictable, God’s faithfulness remains constant. No matter what the year held, we can be confident that God has never left us, never forsaken us, and he has been with us every step of the way.
We, too, can sing of God’s consistent mercies that have been with us throughout the year. Even in moments when we felt weak, God’s strength carried us. Even in moments of doubt, God’s promises remained true.
As we reflect on the past year, take time to consider how God’s faithfulness has shown up in your life. What moments stand out as markers of his provision? How have you seen God’s love and mercy at work, even in difficult times?
Let the end of this year be an opportunity not only to look back but to look forward with hope, knowing that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to guide us into the new year.
Pray: Lord, help me to trust that you will continue to lead me into the new year with your love and grace.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Sunday | December 29, 2024
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
ANew Beginning In Christ
The end of the year is often a time for new beginnings a fresh start, new goals, and renewed vision. But it’s also a time that can stir up regrets, missed opportunities, and past failures. Maybe you’re looking back on the year with a sense of loss or disappointment. However, God is inviting us to see things from a different perspective.
God is doing something new something that springs up even in the most barren of places. We are not meant to dwell on the past or get stuck in the previous year's failures. Instead, God is making us move forward and step into new territory. Just as God made a way through the wilderness for the Israelites, God is making a way for us in the challenges we face.
Remember that God is always in the business of making all things new. No matter what this past year has held, we can look forward with hope, knowing that God is continually working in us and through us.
Pray: Lord, fill me with hope and faith that you are making a way for me, as I walk forward in the freedom of being a new creation.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Monday | December 30, 2024
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Trusting God With The Future
As one year closes and another begins, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the future. We wonder what the next year will bring: Will it be a year of success or struggle? Will we experience new opportunities or face unforeseen challenges? The unknowns of the future can be both thrilling and daunting.
In moments of uncertainty, it’s important to remember that our future is secure in God’s hands. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives a plan to prosper us, give us a hope, and a future. his plans are good, even when we can’t always see them. He is sovereign over all things, including the unknowns of the future.
Psalm 138:8 reassures us that God will fulfill his purpose for us. God has not abandoned us, and God’s love endures forever. No matter what comes in the year ahead, we can trust that God’s purpose for our lives will prevail. God will guide us, strengthen us, and provide for us every step of the way.
We don’t need to have all the answers or control every circumstance. God is already at work, and God will fulfill God’s plans for us in God’s perfect timing.
Pray: Lord, may we rest in the knowledge that you are with me and that your love endures forever.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | December 31, 2024 | New Year’s Eve
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Every Day IsAn Eve
The end of a thing is surreal. Well, I guess it depends on what the ending is. The end of a year, which we are experiencing today, may not truly feel like the end as we perhaps believe that a new day will come, and it will be, for the most part, pretty much like the others. However, have you ever thought about the reality that each day has its unique beginning and end? Every day is the eve of the next.
There is not one day in our lives that is the same. Sure, we may go to the same workplace or wake up at the same time when the same alarm clock alerts us, but the day in itself is one that we have never seen before and will never see again. Just as the children of Israel awakened in the wilderness to a new food that God created in a place they had never been under a circumstance that they had not experienced, God provides us a new beginning and end each and every day. Morning by morning, new mercies abound.
This time of year, is always a reflection and challenge to change something about our lives. But remember today that no matter what the day, it is a new one to use as a stopping point to reflect, refocus, and rejoice because every day is an eve to thank God for.
Pray: God, thank you for today—a day I have never seen before and will never see again. Help me be a good steward of today.
The Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, GA
