Have you ever been denied entry somewhere? You’re having fun and exploring, and suddenly, you’re met with “restricted area,” “members only,” or, the one I fall victim to the most, “you must be this tall to ride.” (I’m just kidding. That hasn’t happened to me…super often…)

It really takes the wind out of your sails. For a brief moment, you’re transported back to 7th grade, with the words of the mean girls reverberating in your mind – “you can’t sit with us…” I’m so thankful Jesus has different standards.

Some of my favorite lyrics of all time come from the hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less.” Verse 2 says, “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.”

I sang these words for years before really digging into their meaning. “Within the veil,” through the Old Testament lens, refers to the inner sanctuary where God dwelled; the most sacred place. In other words, a place off-limits to anyone but the high priest.

Enter Jesus. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”

Not only can we enter God’s presence, but we can enter confidently– not tiptoeing, hesitating, or rubbernecking for security guards – because, through Jesus, we have every right to be there.

You can’t really celebrate the Christmas season without also looking toward the cross. Because He was born, He died. And because He died, we are qualified. And because He rose, we have confidence and assurance of eternal life with Him.

I love verse 23 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” For me, “hold fast,” evokes an image of a faithful, unwavering embrace. In the busyness of whatever today holds for you, hold onto Him. Follow Him into the most sacred place, because you're not only allowed but you’re invited.

Reflection:

• THINK: What, in your mind, keeps you from being worthy to enter God’s presence?
• PRAY: Lay it at His feet. Read verses 19-22 of today’s reading out loud, and ask God to remind you throughout the day today that because of Him, you are invited and wanted.
• ACT: Listen to “Cornerstone” by Hillsong Worship. Open “The Countdown to Christmas” advent calendar on the Venture Church app, and tap door 17 to download a mobile wallpaper of verse 23: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Family Application: Message of Hope

Author: Nichole McCardle

Our reading today comes from Hebrews 10:19-25. Just like our readings from earlier in the week, this passage gives us another message of hope. We learn that because of the gift we have received through Jesus, all of those who follow him can freely enter into the presence of God. We can do that through prayer, worship, focusing on the good things God has done, and scripture reading. Verse 4 even says that we can enter into God’s presence boldly. We don’t have to approach God in fear, because we don’t feel “good” enough. We can approach him boldly because we know His promises are true, and once we are a follower of Jesus, He has forgiven our sins.

Once we are a follower of Jesus and can enter into God’s presence freely, it is our duty to make sure everyone around us knows of that hope too! Our Christian life should reflect the goodness of God. It should be full of love and doing kind things for others so that we can continue Jesus’ mission to reach the world with the hope of the gospel.

• Verses 24 and 25 say, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” One of my favorite ways to meet together with other followers of Jesus is every week at House Church. Are you and your family in a House Church? If so, invite a friend to come with you! If not, visit https://www.venturechurch.org/housechurch to find a House Church closest to you!
• Prayer: God, I love You! Thank You for giving me hope, for sending Your Son Jesus, and for forgiving my sins! Help me to share Your hope with everyone around me. Amen.