2025 Advent Devotion: Day 1

Monday, December 1

Psalm 124; Genesis 8:1-19; Romans 6: 1-11

If you talk to most people, they will agree that the season of Advent always feels different than ordinary time. The excitement in the air is almost electric at times. The family, the friends, the breaking of bread and giving of gifts are traditions that bring joy and happiness to so many.

It also seems to be a season of reflection for most. The year is winding down and thoughts of the past 11 months seem to rush through the mind. Some memories make us smile, others make us cry; some experiences we will never forget, others we wish we could. Just like us, the psalmist is taking time to reflect in Psalm 124.

This psalm, like most, is said to be of David. David certainly faced many battles and uncertainties in his time. The psalm speaks of a metaphorical flood of enemies that could have drowned Israel and David. The psalmist, however, does not reflect on the battle, the enemy, or the flood. Instead, he chooses to remember how God did not forget him and Israel in their time of need.

While the psalm speaks of metaphorical flood waters, Noah, in Genesis 8, was dealing with the real thing. The flood waters are finally subsiding. Noah sends the crow, but it returns empty-handed. Then, he sends the dove, and it returns with the olive branch, which is the first sign of life outside the ark. It brings promise. Eventually the dove finds refuge, so then Noah and his family can seek refuge. God had not forgotten Noah. God had intervened for him as well.

In Romans 6, Paul is speaking of another enemy we all face called sin. As David and Noah were lost in their floods, we were lost to sin; yet, Paul reminds us we are no longer slaves to death or sin (v. 7–8). God did not forget us in our time of need. God made a way to rescue us from sin and death. That way was His son, Jesus.

This season as we reflect, we take time to remember the birth that proves God does not forget us, the birth of Messiah, God with us. For some, this time of year is not so happy. As some reflect and remember, they may find no hope. As God remembered us, let us remember those who need to know they are not forgotten. Like David, Noah, Paul, and many others, let us be the voice that reminds the world around us that God does not forget us.

Glenn Head
Minister of Worship and Facilities at First Baptist Church, Landrum, S.C.