Advent 2024 WHERE THE RIVER GOES

Introduction: Where the River Goes

Everything lives where the river goes.  Advent, a season of waiting, is a time to reflect on our lives and how to live fully in the One who guides us to the water of life, to the River where everything lives.  As we struggle to live in a troubled and divided world we need help to follow Jesus, our Savior, more faithfully.  Following this River by reflecting on Scripture is essential and will give us the help we desire.
 
Where the River Goes isn’t a traditional Advent theme.  However, reflecting on scripture, getting into the flow of its mighty river, is an Advent discipline.  This theme comes from a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel who also lived in troubled and divided times.  He saw a mighty river flowing from God’s Sanctuary bringing life wherever it goes.[1]  We begin Advent with this vision.  The 2nd day is a reflection on Jesus’ teaching about rivers of living water that no doubt has Ezekiel in mind. [2]
 
These Advent lessons may seem randomly arranged but are like the river that meanders through rough and calm seasons before reaching its end.  While most of the lessons relate to water, I have also included some traditional Advent readings that aren’t about water.
 
I pray that these readings will help all those, who, like me, wrestle with faithfully following Jesus in a troubled and broken world and church.  Keep reading in Advent, keep following the river all the way to the One who came to freely give the water of life to anyone who is thirsty and asks.   Let the river help you flourish.

Daily meditations about the River and One who gives life, Jesus, will be available on this page, ending on Christmas day.  If you missed a day, scroll down and get caught up.
 
The format for these devotions is rooted in the ancient discipline of lectio divina.[3]  There are five movements in each day’s meditation that can help you listen more attentively to God.

1. Prepare to listen.  Take time in silence to prepare to hear God speak, using the verse given to focus your attention.
2. Prayerfully read the suggested passage.  Read slowly, wondering about God, knowing what you see; be prepared to be surprised and be willing to be honest.  Read with a beginner’s mind, read boldly with a sense of adventure.
3. Prayerfully wonder and reflect.  Each meditation begins and ends with a question.  Wonder about them if you find them helpful.
4. Prayerfully respond.  Bible reading ends with prayer.  Use the written prayer or simply sit still and silent as let what you read sink in.
5. Live obediently.  Paul wrote, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (Romans 2:13).  Commit to living the Word each day.

 
[1] Ezekiel 47:9.
[2] John 7:38.
[3] You can read about lectio divina at: https://www.storymakerlife.com/reading-the-bible-for-all-yoursquore-worth.html.  Or, read my book, Live the Story not the Dream: Story and spiritual formation, available at lulu.com or Amazon.
 
©2024 Jackie Smallbones
Please share this with your friends.  If you would like to copy these devotions, please contact me for permission.