Sample Advent Devotional: God's Redemptive Plan

I John 1:1-2 ESV

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us

The incarnation of Jesus is part of God’s redemptive plan. Scripture from beginning to end shows God’s kindness, love, mercy, compassion, and everlasting grace given to mankind when we deserved nothing but condemnation. Praise God that instead of condemnation, he gave us the promise of redemption through his Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He made a way for us to be saved. He sent Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, to live a perfect life and die an obedient death, so that Jesus became both the substitute punishment for our sins and the substitute performer of our righteousness.

“The fact that the infinite, omnipotent, eternal Son of God could become man and join himself to a human nature forever, so that infinite God became one person with finite man, will remain for eternity the most profound miracle and the most profound mystery in all the universe” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology).

What place does Jesus have in your life? Do you only see him as someone who lived 2,000 years ago? Or have you accepted him for who he really is— alive and active today. His redemptive plan has forgiven you, can change you, and can give you hope both now and for eternity!

Pray and reflect in the Lord’s presence. Thank God for sending his Son, born of a virgin, to live a perfect life and to die on the cross for your sins. Thank the Lord that Jesus rose from the dead three days later and that this Christmas and every Christmas we can celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Speaker's Bio & Contact Info

Pam (Helm) Keegan - Born and raised in Fairfield, CT, Pam grew up in a Bible-believing Christian home and was saved at the age of 4. She was raised attending Black Rock Church in Fairfield, CT. From a young age, Pam has had a deep love for God and His word. She studied the bible at Word of Life Bible Inst. (1986/1987) and then transferred to Cedarville University for her education in Business Communications & Office Technology (1987-1990). Pam has served in many roles within the church, including women’s ministry, youth ministry, worship leader, bible studies, and Sunday School teacher, care ministries, and prayer ministries. In her 40s, Pam was called to serve at a startup church (Vox Church) and was part of the leadership team that launched their first location in Bridgeport, CT. It was through Vox Church that she met her husband. In 2018, at the age of 50, Pam married Jeff Keegan, who was the pastor of discipleship at Trinity Church (EFCA) in Woodbridge, CT. Jeff retired in...

Sample Conference Theme: Beloved

The apostle John described himself as the beloved disciple. Was he singling himself out as being more loved by God then the other disciples? Absolutely not! John understood the extent of God's love in Jesus, and he unapologetically embraced his identity as beloved. Too often, we allow our shortcomings and mistakes to overshadow the glorious reality that we are God's dearly loved daughters. We drop our heads in shame, forgetting the liberating promise of Romans 8 - that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. What if we embraced this truth and instead raised our faces to God's embrace of who we are - His beloved? What if we fully accepted and reveled in the truth that we are His beloved, cherished beyond measure? Pam shares this shift in perspective and how it has radically transformed her life. When we truly internalize the magnitude of God's love, the Spirit takes up residence within us, empowering us to walk in freedom, confidence, and bold purpo...

Sample Retreat Theme: Silence, Solitude & Lectio Divina

In a world filled with noise and distraction, during this retreat Pam guides you through Silence, Solitude, and Lectio Divina. Guided solitude provides a sacred space for you to step away from human relationships and make room for God in your life. As you learn to sit in solitude, this spiritual discipline allows you to cultivate other practices in your life like Sabbath, fasting, Lectio Divina, and prayer. Solitude creates a platform to receive clarity, resolve your purpose, and find inner strength to avoid distractions. Guided silence completes solitude, as you set aside time and space to be quietly present before the Lord. It is in these still moments that God often speaks through nature, allowing you to more readily sense His presence in the events of daily life. Lectio Divina , which means "divine reading," is a method of praying with Scripture. This slower, reflective approach to reading the Word helps you be open to God's transformative work, rather than approach...

Pamela J. Keegan

Search This Blog