Advent Day 3 - Sin Separates Us from God

Advent Day 3 – Sin Separated Us from God

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ, both as a child born in Bethlehem and as the Savior who bridges the separation caused by sin. During Advent, we reflect on why Christ’s coming was necessary and how His arrival fulfills God’s plan to restore us to Him.

Most everyone has heard that sin separates us from God, but what exactly is sin? According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, sin is defined as “missing the mark.” Yet, this definition carries deeper nuances: it is a principle or source of action, an inward element that produces sinful acts, a governing power, or even a sinful deed itself. Isaiah 59:2 declares, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” This Scripture clearly shows the weight of sin—it creates a chasm between humanity and God. Sin governs and drives us toward actions that are contrary to God's holiness.

Advent calls us to confront this reality. As we wait for the birth of the Savior, we recognize how deeply humanity needed Him to bridge that gap. Two weeks ago, Pastor Eric spoke about Habakkuk’s lament: “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong…” (Habakkuk 1:13). This passage underscores the purity of God, who cannot tolerate sin, and yet watches sin devastate His creation. It is this sin—our sin—that necessitated Christ’s coming.
Yet, Advent also fills us with hope. Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, came to bear the weight of that separation. God heaped the sins of the world upon Him, and through His death, we are reconciled. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us of the profound truth that because of Christ, nothing—neither death nor life, angels nor rulers, nor anything else in all creation—can separate us from the love of God.

Advent is a season to remember why the light of Christ shines so brightly. It pierces the darkness of sin, offering us the hope and assurance of reconciliation with God. As we prepare our hearts during this season, let us rejoice in the love that came down to save us.

Reflection:
As we journey through Advent, take time to reflect on the weight of sin and the incredible gift of salvation through Christ. Sin is not just an action but a condition that separates us from God—a chasm too vast for us to bridge on our own. Yet, in His boundless love, God sent Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Think about the hope that this season brings: the birth of a Savior who takes away the sin of the world and restores us to a relationship with our Creator. How does this truth shape your understanding of God's love for you personally?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we prepare our hearts during this season, we are reminded of the immense weight of sin and the even greater gift of Your grace. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap that we could never cross on our own. Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your love and the hope that Christ’s coming brings into our lives. Lord, during this season of anticipation, purify our hearts and guide our thoughts to reflect on Your holiness and mercy. May we celebrate Advent not just as a season, but as a time of renewal and deepened faith. Help us to live each day in the light of Christ, sharing His love with those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.