Jesus Is.

written by NextGen Pastor, Christina Embree

As we step into Advent, we begin a season of waiting, reflection, and hope. This is the time when we remember the anticipation of Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and look forward to His return as King and Redeemer. But in the waiting, we find an incredible truth: Jesus is everything we need, in every season, in every moment.

In Revelation 1:4b-8, we hear this powerful description of Jesus:

  • The faithful witness.

  • The first to rise from the dead.

  • The ruler of all the kings of the earth.

  • The one who loves us.

  • The one who freed us by His blood.

  • The Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end.

  • Eternal, the one “who is, who always was, and who is to come.”

Advent invites us to slow down and reflect on this extraordinary truth: Jesus is. Just as God revealed Himself to Moses as “I Am” in the burning bush, Jesus repeatedly declared in the Gospel of John, “I Am.” He is not bound by time, circumstance, or need. He is Emmanuel, God with us. He is the Light of the World. He is the Prince of Peace. And He is all of these things completely, all at once.

What does this mean for us in Advent? It means that as we light candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, we are reminded that Jesus is all of those things embodied. Do you need hope today? Jesus is your Hope. Do you need peace in the midst of the holiday rush or in your heart? Jesus is your Peace. Do you need a reason to rejoice, even in challenging times? Jesus is your Joy.

And here’s the incredible part: Jesus is exactly what you need, not just in Advent but in every moment. He meets you where you are. Do you need someone who understands your humanity, your struggles, and your fears? Jesus, who came as a vulnerable baby and lived as one of us, is there. Do you need strength, guidance, and assurance? Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, who holds all of time in His hands, is there.

Advent is not just a time of waiting; it’s a time of resting in the truth that Jesus already is everything we need. He is with us in the waiting, in the hoping, in the longing.

As we journey through Advent, let’s pause and reflect on this good news: Jesus is. He is love, justice, grace, and truth—perfectly and completely. He is for us, always.

Take a moment to breathe and let that truth settle into your heart. No matter what this season holds, Jesus is present. He is faithful. He is enough. And He is everything.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” — Revelation 1:8

Reflection Questions:

  1. What do you need Jesus to be for you this Advent? Hope? Peace? Joy? Love?

  2. How can you reflect the truth of who Jesus is to others during this season of waiting?

  3. Spend time in prayer, asking Jesus to reveal Himself to you in new ways this Advent.  

 

Resources

Open Door Value - The Bible is True and JESUS IS the Way

We believe God speaks to us through the Bible, as well as many other ways. The Bible offers God’s story and explains how we can follow Jesus as we strive to love God and love people. We believe Jesus is the way to God and the way forward for all humanity. (John 14, 1 John 4, Romans 8&12, 2 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 4, John 5, 1 Corinthians 14) 

Brethren in Christ U.S. Core Value – Following Jesus

We value wholehearted obedience to Christ Jesus through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit..

Bible Passages:

  1. “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)

  2.  “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

  3. “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9)

  4. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

  5. “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)

  6. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

  7. “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

    Resources

For Kids & Families:

  • Waiting for the Light: Advent Devotional by Matthew and Stephanie Peterson; https://refocusministry.gumroad.com/l/kcagx

  • The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257

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