To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 3 - A Cultivator Submits in Humility to God's Call on His Life
The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Tuesday, First Week of Advent
This short essay is taken from the devotional, The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional. This devotional reflects on the scriptures of incarnation and exaltation in order to take you on a journey of thoughtful self-reflection. It is meant to draw you more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s coming into the world to help you walk your own inner path toward the season of Christmas. As you celebrate the coming of Christ into your lives during Advent and spend time reflecting on the readings in this devotional, may the light and love that entered our world lead you to the cross in wonder and thanksgiving. May you find joy and discover strength as you walk this wondrous journey to Bethlehem, always holding within your heart the image of the Hill of Calvary and the hope of the Age to come when Christ will return to call his people home!
Tuesday, First Week of Advent – Our Home Established
Incarnation – It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it… (Isaiah 2:2)
Exaltation – “…he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Advent brings to life the truth that Jesus has established the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven. It offers us the hope that one day, believers from all nations shall stream to the New Jerusalem to worship forever the One who has set us free. Our sorrow will find comfort, our mourning will be given meaning, and our tears will be wiped away. Though it may seem so far in the future, it is truly a sacred reality that we can experience today. In Christ, we have been lifted to the heavenly places, even as we live out our faith in a world that is passing away.
In these chaotic and uncertain times, we seek stability and rest. Though the world may be crumbling around us, caught up in selfishness and all kinds of evil, in Jesus, we experience the eternal sign of God's covenant with all creation. Through his life, death, and resurrection we see his perfect love poured out on our behalf. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the One who draws us with great love toward our heavenly home.
One day believers will share in the resurrection of our mortal bodies. For now, we share in the resurrection life of Christ through the sacraments and our fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Let us wait with joyful hearts for the day when the former things will pass away and we will live in eternity with Christ!
Prayer: Father, I rejoice in the resurrection, the future reality for all who hope in your Son. May I live out this incarnational hope in the here and now, knowing that your kingdom is among us, manifesting itself in our actions of love for you…Amen!
Hope of heaven, highest mountain,
Nations flowing to the throne.
Former things are gone forever,
Grace and mercy God has shown.
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
