Embracing Vulnerability: The Gift of Faith in Advent

 

Summary

In this time of Advent, we are reminded of the profound gift of faith that God desires to bestow upon us. This gift, however, requires us to create space in our hearts, to open ourselves vulnerably to His presence. Just as Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to invite Him in, we must be willing to expose our hearts, allowing Him to embrace us with His love. This openness is not without risk, as it mirrors the vulnerability of Christ on the cross, but it is essential for receiving His grace.

Throughout the past week, we have engaged in various spiritual practices to prepare our hearts for Christmas. From discussing forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to the importance of daily prayer, each step has been about tilling the soil of our souls. The Rorate Caeli Mass, celebrated in the darkness with candlelight, symbolized our focus on Jesus, the light of the world, amidst the silence of Advent.

As we approach Christmas, we are called to run in haste, like the shepherds and Mary, towards the promise of Christ. Yet, disbelief and sin often hinder us from fully embracing His promises. We must give God permission to transform our disbelief and cleanse us from sin, which prevents us from recognizing His presence. Confession is a powerful means to unburden ourselves, allowing Jesus to replace our crown of thorns with a crown of righteousness.

This season is not just about the commercial celebration of Christmas but about preparing our souls to receive the grace of Christ. We are invited to confession, to lay down our burdens and sins, and to experience the inexplicable joy and peace that come from a heart free in Christ. As we anticipate the joy of Christmas, let us expand our vision for heaven and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the same joy that John the Baptist experienced in the presence of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- Creating Space for Faith: Faith is a gift from God that requires us to open our hearts and create space for His presence. This involves vulnerability, as we expose our hearts to Him, allowing Him to embrace us with His love. Just as Jesus stands at the door and knocks, we must invite Him in, trusting that He desires to fill us with His grace. [19:05]

- Running in Haste Towards Christ: Like the shepherds and Mary, we are called to run in haste towards the promise of Christ. This requires us to overcome disbelief and sin, which hinder us from fully embracing His promises. By giving God permission to transform our disbelief, we allow His word to bring forth life in us. [21:42]

- The Power of Confession: Confession is a powerful means to unburden ourselves from sin and receive the crown of righteousness from Jesus. By laying down our burdens and sins, we experience the inexplicable joy and peace that come from a heart free in Christ. This prepares us to receive the grace of Christmas. [27:51]

- Expanding Our Vision for Heaven: As we anticipate the joy of Christmas, we are invited to expand our vision for heaven. By allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with joy, we can experience the same joy that John the Baptist felt in the presence of Jesus. This joy is a foretaste of the abundant life that Christ promises us. [33:33]

- Living with Inexplicable Joy: The joy that Christ offers is beyond understanding, a joy that cannot be explained. By surrendering our burdens to Him and allowing Him to transform our lives, we can live with this joy, experiencing the peace and freedom that come from a heart fully surrendered to God. [34:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [19:05] - The Gift of Faith
- [20:30] - Vulnerability and Openness
- [21:42] - Preparing for Christmas
- [23:14] - Overcoming Disbelief
- [24:21] - The Presence of Jesus
- [25:27] - Unburdening Our Souls
- [26:10] - Renouncing Lies
- [27:03] - Surrendering Control
- [27:51] - The Invitation to Confession
- [28:40] - Crown of Righteousness
- [29:52] - The Season of Christmas
- [30:37] - Confession and Forgiveness
- [32:07] - Freedom from Burdens
- [33:33] - Joy and Peace in Christ
- [34:44] - Expanding Our Vision

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
2. Luke 1:39-45 - The story of Mary visiting Elizabeth, where John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth's womb.
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Revelation 3:20 suggest about the nature of Jesus' invitation to us? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on creating space for faith? [19:05]
2. In the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth, what was Elizabeth's reaction to Mary's greeting, and how does this illustrate the joy of recognizing Jesus' presence? [24:21]
3. According to Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him with their burdens? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about confession and unburdening ourselves? [27:51]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of vulnerability in our relationship with God, and what biblical example is used to illustrate this? [20:30]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of opening the door to Jesus, as described in Revelation 3:20, symbolize the vulnerability and openness discussed in the sermon? [19:05]
2. What does the leaping of John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb signify about the presence of Jesus, and how does this relate to the joy and anticipation of Advent? [24:21]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that disbelief and sin can prevent us from fully embracing God's promises, and how can confession help overcome these barriers? [23:14]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to expand their vision for heaven, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [33:33]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus knocking at the door of your heart. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to be more open to His presence in the future? [19:05]
2. Like the shepherds and Mary, how can you "run in haste" towards Christ this Advent season? What practical steps can you take to overcome disbelief and sin that may be holding you back? [21:42]
3. Consider the burdens you are currently carrying. How can you use the practice of confession to lay these burdens down and experience the peace and freedom that Christ offers? [27:51]
4. The sermon invites us to expand our vision for heaven. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy and anticipation for Christ's promises? [33:33]
5. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with vulnerability. How can you practice opening your heart to God in this area, trusting Him to embrace you with His love? [20:30]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of daily prayer into your routine to prepare your heart for the grace of Christmas? What specific time or place can you dedicate to this practice? [20:30]
7. Reflect on the joy that John the Baptist experienced in the presence of Jesus. How can you cultivate a similar joy in your life, especially during this Advent season? [24:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Creating Space for Divine Presence
Faith is a profound gift from God that requires us to intentionally create space in our hearts for His presence. This involves a willingness to be vulnerable, opening ourselves to His love and grace. Just as Jesus stands at the door and knocks, we must invite Him in, trusting that He desires to fill us with His grace. This openness mirrors the vulnerability of Christ on the cross, reminding us that true faith involves risk and surrender. By making room for God, we allow His transformative power to work within us, preparing our hearts for the joy of Christmas. [19:05]

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to create space in your heart for God's presence, allowing Him to fill you with His grace and love?


Day 2: Running in Haste Towards Christ
We are called to run in haste towards the promise of Christ, just as the shepherds and Mary did. This requires overcoming disbelief and sin, which often hinder us from fully embracing His promises. By giving God permission to transform our disbelief, we allow His word to bring forth life in us. This journey involves a conscious decision to trust in His promises and to actively seek His presence in our lives. As we approach Christmas, let us be intentional in our pursuit of Christ, allowing His light to guide us through the darkness. [21:42]

"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16, ESV)

Reflection: What disbelief or sin is currently hindering you from fully embracing Christ's promises? How can you actively seek His presence and guidance in overcoming these obstacles today?


Day 3: The Power of Confession
Confession is a powerful means to unburden ourselves from sin and receive the crown of righteousness from Jesus. By laying down our burdens and sins, we experience the inexplicable joy and peace that come from a heart free in Christ. This act of confession prepares us to receive the grace of Christmas, allowing us to approach the season with a renewed sense of freedom and joy. As we confess our sins, we invite Jesus to replace our crown of thorns with a crown of righteousness, transforming our lives with His love and grace. [27:51]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What burdens or sins do you need to confess today to experience the freedom and joy that come from a heart free in Christ?


Day 4: Expanding Our Vision for Heaven
As we anticipate the joy of Christmas, we are invited to expand our vision for heaven. By allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with joy, we can experience the same joy that John the Baptist felt in the presence of Jesus. This joy is a foretaste of the abundant life that Christ promises us, reminding us of the eternal hope we have in Him. As we prepare for Christmas, let us focus on the eternal perspective, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with joy and peace that surpass all understanding. [33:33]

"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'" (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you expand your vision for heaven today, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy and peace as you anticipate the joy of Christmas?


Day 5: Living with Inexplicable Joy
The joy that Christ offers is beyond understanding, a joy that cannot be explained. By surrendering our burdens to Him and allowing Him to transform our lives, we can live with this joy, experiencing the peace and freedom that come from a heart fully surrendered to God. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the presence of Christ within us. As we approach Christmas, let us embrace this inexplicable joy, allowing it to transform our lives and fill us with hope and peace. [34:44]

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: What burdens do you need to surrender to Christ today to experience the inexplicable joy and peace that come from a heart fully surrendered to God?

Quotes

"We had the parish mission Sunday night, Monday night, and Tuesday night. And if you were unable to attend or you haven't been able to watch those mission nights, I just encourage you to do so. Because as we came into Advent, we spoke about the Lord's gift that he wanted to give our parish, which he intends, it's his promise to give us. And that is what? The gift of? Nice, faith. That's right. So he gives us the gift of faith, but we have to create a space for that gift. Right? And he's a gentleman. He stands at the door and he knocks." [00:19:05] (36 seconds)


"So I have to give him permission to enter and give me the gift. I can't have my heart that's closed and say, okay, God, if you want to give it, just do it. No, I have to open myself and say, there's a little bit of vulnerability in that. Yeah, it's like Jesus on the cross. He exposes his heart. And what does that exposition leave? The opportunity for you to embrace him or the opportunity for you to pierce him." [00:19:48] (29 seconds)


"And so on Sunday night, we spoke about forgiveness and the need to forgive others. On Monday night, we prayed for the Holy Spirit. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to come upon us. And on Tuesday night, we spoke about the need of daily prayer and how to pray. And then this past Thursday morning at 645, we had our Rarate Cheli Mass, where the church was dark and they had candles that were all around the sanctuary and up there and all around. And it was beautiful." [00:20:49] (29 seconds)


"That we're tilling the soil so that he can do his marvelous work. That we could be like the shepherds in the field who, when they hear by the angels of the announcement of the Savior, they run in haste. They run in haste. And when Elizabeth receives the gift of John the Baptist and Mary hears about it, she travels in haste. Everybody say, in haste. Yeah, we're really hasty in this time of year. We're hasty in driving, hasty in making decisions about what I need to do. And we're very quick." [00:21:48] (38 seconds)


"Well, what prevents us from believing the word of the Lord? Disbelief. Unbelief. That when I don't believe that he can do what he says, because I don't really believe him to be fully God, then I prevent in my heart and in my soul, the word from bringing forth life. It would be like this. If I took a seed and I planted it in the ground, but I don't believe it, then I don't believe it." [00:23:33] (30 seconds)


"And Jesus says, come to me, you who have burdens, and I will give you rest. Oh, you don't know my schedule, Jesus. I'm like a 50s diner smoker lady, you know? Hey, Father, you don't know. You don't know, Jesus, what I've been through. Okay, bet. He does. In fact, he was there when you went through it. He was there in the midst of it. And he wants to be the one to take the burden off your shoulders." [00:25:49] (28 seconds)


"But he exchanges the crown of thorns for the crown of righteousness. And when you go into confession, he takes the crown of righteousness off his own head and he places it upon yours. He loves to give you the crown of righteousness. So whether it's been a couple of weeks or whether it's been decades since you've gone to confession, we invite you to come to confession this weekend." [00:28:50] (27 seconds)

"And so in the season of Advent, even in these last four days, we're giving him permission to open up our hearts, to open up the places that I've been holding back. Which is why the invitation stands. To come and let yourself be unburdened by the Lord. To confess your sins to him, the things that you haven't forgiven yourself for, the things that you haven't spoken to anybody or even that you've avoided saying in confession because you're too embarrassed." [00:30:22] (30 seconds)


"But why do we become like that? Because we carry the burdens and we don't give them to the Lord. But when I do, I find freedom for my soul and I find the joy that is inexplicable. That is what scripture says. There is inexplicable joy, joy that cannot be explained. That's the joy. That's the joy that I want. Amen? I want the peace that's beyond understanding as St. Paul says. Amen? Don't you want that?" [00:33:33] (30 seconds)


"Stop living with a small-mindedness and let him expand your vision. Let him expand your vision for heaven so that as you go into this Christmas season and you look at a single statue of the infant Jesus, your heart is moved and it starts to leap with joy because all of a sudden you're living with the same Holy Spirit that John the Baptist was living with. Amen? That's what he wants to give you." [00:34:21] (23 seconds)


"And if you go into Christmas and you start saying, well, I didn't get the thing that I said. It was a faith. And then I think, it's probably because there's some part of you that you haven't given over to Jesus. And you're resistant to go to confession because you think, well, we don't want to talk about sin, Father. We just want to talk about the good things. I can't receive the good things of God unless I cleanse my soul." [00:35:19] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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