Advent Devotional Day 24

DAY 24

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christmas is the night hope became flesh. The long-awaited Messiah arrives with the cry of a newborn in Bethlehem. Yet Jesus’ birth points to something even greater: transformation.

When Christ comes, the old passes away. Our sin, our shame, our very selves are called to die with Him, to be burned away in the refining fire of His love. And what rises from those ashes is something brand new. I think of Gandalf the Grey from Lord of the Rings, who entered the dark abyss to face the Balrog. When he returned, he was almost unrecognizable — not just restored but renewed.

“Gandalf? Oh yes. That’s what they used to call me, Gandalf the Grey. That was my name. I am Gandalf the White.”

In a much greater way, Jesus went into the grave carrying the weight of the world’s sin. When He rose, even His closest friends didn’t recognize Him at first. He was glorified, no longer bound by death.

Christmas is the beginning of this story for us. The child in the manger came so that we might be made new. Today, we stand on the threshold, the old year behind us, the new creation before us.

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming near, for stepping into our darkness so that we might share in Your light. Today, as we wait for Christmas morning, help us lay down our old selves; our fears, our sins, our pride, and clothe us in Your righteousness. Make us new, now and forever. Amen. ~Joe Principato