A Thrill of Hope: 5 Advent Reflections & Prayers for Weary ParentsSample

Light of Infinite Love

As we observe Advent, the four weeks leading to the incarnational birth of Jesus, we sit in this mysterious, magnificent truth: in the beginning, the Word was with God. The Word was God. Despite the mess humans created, God, being the very essence of love, chose to enter our world and become one of us: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV).

Jesus, the One who became fully human, was born as a baby among the muck and the mire of this complicated world. He existed out of space and time, and He existed entirely within it too: “Truly, truly, I say to you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58, ESV). Even the stars rejoiced at His birth, breaking through in brilliant swathes of light, showing the way (see Matthew 2:9-10).

As you approach Christmas, rest in the wonder of our big God, and let it compel you to live in the light of infinite divine love, extending love and grace to yourself, your children, and your neighbors.

May you rest in your smallness this week, letting the children among you remind you that the God of galaxies loves you so much that He became like you—born as a baby. Let your imagination ride the waves left by the trail of stardust. Let your life be captured by the glorious, limitless love of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think God used a star to guide people to Jesus?
2. Why did God, who was so mighty and powerful that He created entire galaxies, come to earth to be born as a baby?
3. Why do you think so many people are curious about the moon and the stars?
4. What can space teach us about God’s character?
5. Why is it important to use our imagination when we wonder about God?

Prayer:

O God of space and time, You are the creator of the heavens and the earth. With purpose and power, You sculpted shimmering stars and set planets in motion. The sun, moon, and stars whisper Your name, reflecting Your goodness and inviting us into glory we can barely begin to fathom.

We marvel at the mystery of Your compassion that stretches through eternity in Christ. We find comfort that You—the God of galaxies—love each of us with divine, perfect, and infinite love. You are the Artist who sculpts us out of dust and knows us down to every hair on our heads. We dwell in the mystery and delight in how deeply You care for us.

Help us to reflect Jesus this Advent, caring for those who feel unseen and cast into the shadows. May we cultivate peace for all people in this season and in the days to come. Amen.