December 31
The Ministry of Encouragement
Barnabas is one of the more significant personalities in the New Testament. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles affectionately nicknamed him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” We can call him the minister of encouragement.
Barnabas introduced the converted terrorist Saul to the Jerusalem church. Barnabas asked Paul to assist him in the work at Antioch where believers were first called Christians. Barnabas encouraged Paul to help him settle a dispute in the Jerusalem church and took famine relief to that Christian body. Barnabas sold his property and gave the proceeds to the Jerusalem church. Barnabas saved the ministry of John Mark, who gave up on the first missionary journey when Paul would have nothing more to do with him. Because of the encouragement of Barnabas, John Mark was not only reconciled to Paul but ministered to him when he was a prisoner in Rome. John Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark. Tertullian, a prolific Christian author of early Christianity, refers to Mark as the author of Hebrews. In every aspect of his life, Barnabas was a minister of encouragement.
I know of no greater need in our world today than for Christians to be ministers of encouragement. I challenge you to be a Barnabas. Who can you encourage today?
God’s Word: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another¾and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Prayer: Father, as Barnabas was a minister of encouragement to the church, help me to be an encourager in word and deed. Amen.
Celebrating Advent at Home
The four weeks before Christmas are traditionally called “Advent” or “Coming.” Since the fourth century, Christians have set aside these weeks in December as a time for celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, into the world. It is a time to focus on the wonder of the incarnation and God’s love.
Traditionally, many churches provide a special time during the worship hour to focus on Advent. Church members are usually involved in explaining the meaning of the Advent wreath, reading scripture, and lighting the candles. Let me encourage you to also observe Advent in your home by purchasing or making an Advent Wreath with real or artificial greenery. On the outer circle, you will need three purple and one pink candle. Place one large white candle in the middle of the wreath to represent Christ.
A simple Advent service is provided in this devotional guide to help you in your family or personal worship. If you live alone, consider inviting a friend or neighbor to join you. Encourage everyone present to participate in the readings, scripture, and prayer.
Advent is a period of spiritual preparation as we celebrate Jesus’s birth. Our preparation includes prayer, scripture, and reflecting on the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Use this time for prayer, confession of sins, and repentance.
The Advent wreath is filled with symbolism expressing our faith in Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The evergreen wreath signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath with no beginning and no end symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
The four candles around the wreath’s circle represent the four weeks of Advent.
The first purple candle represents hope. The second purple candle represents peace. The pink candle represents joy, and the third purple candle represents love.
The Christ candle is white, and represents Christ, who is the center of our faith, the chief cornerstone, the Prince of Peace.
Chose a day and time that best fits your schedule and spend time meditating upon the significance of Jesus coming.