Open Doors
“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
During Advent, the world opens doors to Jesus that aren’t normally open. Christmas music plays in shopping malls and workplaces, angels and Christmas trees decorate public parks, and the name of Jesus is significantly less taboo. During Advent, we are uniquely positioned to share the Gospel.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach or desire. Jesus says, “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” He wants every single one. And He starts with kindness. Even the first reading starts with, “Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly…”
The Gospel is meant to bring comfort.
We live in a world that’s begging for love. Our world is aching for God’s love - whether they know it or not. Every heart longs for love. Every heart longs to be known. Every heart longs to be seen. Every heart longs to be wanted and to be chosen.
When the world opens doors to us this Advent, let’s use them. Let’s use them to bring God’s comfort to the world. Let’s use them to bring God’s hope to the world. Let’s use them to bring God’s joy into the world. Let’s use them to bring God’s love to the world.
Father,
Thank You for opening doors during Advent. Thank You for offering us opportunities to talk about You, to demonstrate Your love, and to bring the Gospel into new places.
Please give us the courage to speak about You. Please open doors for us and send the Holy Spirit to spur us on.
Holy Spirit, would You come? Would You fill us with Your love and Your light? Would you send reminders? Would You come and help us with new conversations? Would You help us get out of our own comfort zones to share the Gospel? Would You help us when we feel uncomfortable? Would You help us to be bold and take risks?
Holy Spirit, we’re so grateful that You dwell with us and in us. Thank You for showing up always. We love You, God.