The Ultimate Gift

Take a moment to slowly reflect on Romans 5:1-5:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

In what ways does this passage bring together all the gifts of Advent?

In these five verses, Paul masterfully shows us how hope, peace, joy, and love fit together as gifts from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As you've walked through The Gift of Advent devotional journey, my prayer is that you have a renewed hope, peace, joy, and love in your walk with God.

But the ultimate gift of Advent is bigger and better than any of the individual gifts. It is a faith-filled relationship with our Triune God.

That is why the Father sent the Son by the Spirit in the first place: to be with us.

And that is why Jesus sent the Spirit into our hearts, as we steadfastly await his return: so that we might prepare ourselves to forever dwell with God in the new heavens and earth.

Advent is about Immanuel, God with us. We now abide in God's love as people filled with the Spirit. We know God our Father in the intimate familiarity expressed by "Abba," or Dad.

As we finish our Advent journey together, take a moment to enjoy your friendship with God.

Thank you for joining me on this journey into life with God.

Come, Lord Jesus!