Read: Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11
Reflect: I love a good makeover story. Whether it’s Cinderella and her fairy godmother or a 60 minute home renovation on HGTV, I am glued to the TV until I can compare the before and after images.
It is entertaining to watch the process of making the old new again. The stylists and designers list areas needing improvement. This process can be painful and awkward. No one likes to hear their hair is drab or their light fixtures are dated. However, it is only when these problem areas are identified that they can be changed for the better.
The very best part of any makeover story is the moment of the reveal. This is when the old is revealed as new. Everyone holds their breath as the woman sees her reflection in the mirror for the first time. Her eyes sparkle with glee. Squeals of delight escape the lips of the homeowners as they walk into their newly decorated home.
Makeovers lead to joy.
Isaiah, God’s prophet to the Israelites, promised a makeover for the hearts of men and women. He spoke of God’s promise to send One who would make the old new again. The promised makeover came through Jesus.
God walks us through the painful process of identifying things that need to change—the sin in our lives. This sin separates us from God. Jesus then restores us with His own righteousness, that is, He makes us right with God. He changes our sorrow into gladness. He fixes the brokenness in our hearts and makes us whole again.
The makeover of our heart occurs when we make Jesus our Lord. Just as the homeowner turns the keys to their house over to the TV designer, we give the keys to our heart to Jesus. We allow Him to show us things that need to change. He patiently works with us to change, to become more like Him.
When we experience this makeover in our heart, we experience uncontainable, unexplainable joy. Jesus does so much more than change our outsides; He changes our insides.
* * * * * * *
Discuss: What is your favorite makeover story and why? Describe the joy you felt when Jesus made your heart new. Do you hear God asking you to let Him makeover your heart?
Pray: Jesus, thank you for coming to make us new. Thank you for changing our sorrow to joy. Please show me the areas in my life that need to change. Give me a new heart and a new mind so that I can live a new life for You.
To download the full Advent devotional visit www.allmomdoes.com
Comments