The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Saturday, Second Week of Advent – Comfort and Restoration
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But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
No one likes to stay dirty for too long. After hard work or a workout, people take a shower to remove the dirt and debris and get clean. This is even more important with our souls. When we sin, we are covered with guilt and shame. God’s forgiveness washes away the stain and makes us holy and blameless once more. Our hearts are refreshed and our spirits renewed. Once more we experience the joy and gladness that come from a pure heart, fully restored in faith.
Isaiah had a vision where he stood before the throne of God, trembling because of his unworthiness. God sent an angel to take a burning coal from the altar to touch Isaiah’s lips, cleansing him of his impurity and making him ready to go forth to speak God’s word to the people (Is 6:1–8). God, in His great mercy, cleanses us, freeing us to live for him and to witness to him in everything we do and say.
Questions for reflection
How can you go forth from the confessional to live more fully for Jesus?
How would you describe the cleansing power of confession to someone who is struggling with sin?
Who in your life needs to hear the awesome message of God’s desire to cleanse us through his forgiving love?
Praying with Scripture
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Prov 28:13)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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.
