Advent of the Heart

Paul gives a beautiful portrait of the Advent of the heart in 2 Cor 4:6.  He has to reach back to creation in Genesis 1:3 to describe what the Advent of the heart is like!

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:6–7)  
Paul is simply and gloriously saying that in the same way that God created light in creation HE has created light in our hearts that we might behold the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."  I pray that you will allow the weight of this truth hit and transform you!
I am going to invite you to put on your thinking cap for a moment.  Jonathan Edwards speaking to the nature of God, specifically His Triune nature writes the following.

 God is glorified within Himself these two ways: 1. By appearing . . . to Himself in His own perfect idea [of Himself], or in His Son, who is the brightness of His glory. 2. By enjoying and delighting in Himself, by flowing forth in infinite love and delight towards Himself, or in his Holy Spirit.  God glorifies Himself toward the creatures also in two ways: 1. By appearing to . . . their understanding. 2. In communicating Himself to their hearts. . . . God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might [be] received both by the mind and heart. Jonathan Edwards

"God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”” (Galatians 4:6)  “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)


“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16:14)

Lord God, we hunger and thirst after many things. Come and create a deep longing within us that we might delight to be in your presence. Sound the alarm within our soul that we might wake from our spiritual drowsiness and watch and wait for Christ’s coming. Redeemer God, come, as we seek to open our hearts, creating a welcome space for you to abide. Startle us from our sloth and rescue us from that which distracts us from knowing your grace and love. Inspire our preparation and guide our worship that our Advent waiting might lead us to Bethlehem’s manger. In Jesus’ name. Amen!  Robert Webber

Pursuing intimacy with Jesus!