A Thrill of Hope – Advent Devotional Week 3
In the busyness and weariness of the season, Advent invites us to pause and pray. Join with Christ our Refuge as we explore the hope, comfort, grace, and light of Christ’s coming through ancient prayers and timeless truths.
Follow along with these readings and reflections in the lead-up to Christmas.
WEEK 3: A PRAYER OF GRACE FOR THE BROKEN
Raise up your great power, Lord, and come among us to save us; that, although through our sins we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your plentiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the sufficiency of your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.” (AAPB 1978)
Day 1: The Need for Grace
Read Titus 3:3
Paul reminds us of the universal need for grace by describing a life apart from God—marked by foolishness, disobedience, and enslavement to sin. This brokenness isn’t just a reality “out there”; it touches every human heart. We all fall short and contribute to the brokenness of the world.
Reflect: Why is it important that we see our own need for God’s grace?
Day 2: The Appearance of Grace
Read Titus 3:4-7
God doesn’t leave us in our sin and brokenness. Through His goodness and loving kindness, He saves us—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of His mercy. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring regeneration and renewal through the Holy Spirit, giving us a secure hope of eternal life.
Reflect: How can you use this Advent to grow in gratitude for the first appearance of Christ?
Day 3: Strength for the Race
Read Isaiah 40:25-31
Isaiah describes the greatness of God—His power and understanding are infinite. Even when we feel weary or faint, He renews our strength and enables us to run the race set before us. His grace not only saves us but sustains us in life’s challenges.
Reflect: Where do you need God’s strength to sustain you today?
Day 4: The Fruit of Grace
Read Titus 3:8
Grace transforms us. Paul calls believers to devote themselves to good works—not to earn salvation but as the natural outflow of gratitude for God’s grace. These good works adorn the gospel, reflect God’s character, and serve as a light to a watching world.
Reflect: How can you show the fruit of grace to someone this week?
Day 5: Grace-Shaped Lives While We Wait
Read Titus 2:11-14
The grace of God has already appeared in Jesus Christ, bringing salvation and teaching us how to live now. Grace trains us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions and “yes” to godliness and self-control. But grace doesn’t just look back; it also looks forward. We wait with hope for the second coming of Christ—our “blessed hope”—when He will return in glory to finish what He began.
Reflect: How does the hope of Christ’s return shape how you live today?
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Listen to our current Advent teaching series – A THRILL OF HOPE – via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or christrefuge.co/sermons