Hebrews 12:14-24 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 12:14-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Verse 15See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. Verse 16See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal. Verse 17You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears.
Verse 18You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, Verse 19and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. Verse 20(For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death." Verse 21Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear.") Verse 22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, Verse 23and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, Verse 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Devotion
Jesus brings with him a new covenant—not one of fear and despair, but one of peace and holiness. Jesus is the ultimate example of these qualities, even in the face of evil. So it is that we continue to seek peace, using the example of Jesus, while at the same time we are uplifted by God’s promise.
Prayer
God of peace, even in the dark days of Advent, strengthen us to continue our pursuit of peace. We await your gift of holiness in Jesus Christ. Amen.