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An Advent Devotional Study from Caring.
Christmastime can carry many mixed emotions—and lots of stress. But this year will be different.
Reserve five minutes a day to read the daily devotional entry in this series and journey through the Christmas season with peace, perspective and hope.
This “Hope and a Future: Advent Devotional Study” will guide you through the month of December to ponder afresh the story of the Bible with Jesus’ birth as the focus. Find daily a reflection, highlighted Scripture, meaningful questions and a prompt for prayer.
Connect with God this Christmas season and experience hope for the future.
December 11: A Willing Heart
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
Life-altering moments test our trust of our infinite and powerful God.
Mary just heard that the Spirit would overshadow her and somehow plant a child in her womb before her marriage bond with her future husband, Joseph. She heard this miraculous child would be called Son of the Most High and be given the throne of his father, David. As a Jewish girl, Mary knew this pronouncement meant her child would be the long-awaited Messiah.
But God did not give her all the details. He did not tell her exactly what would happen or how she would overcome the real threat of being killed for perceived infidelity.
All she knew: He would come. Everything changed for her at that moment.
When we face our own life-altering moments, how do we respond? When my son almost died at birth, for a few moments I pitched a tantrum in prayer to God. I resisted him because I could not see the good in allowing my son to lay behind a plastic box on lung support. But when I imagined walking the road ahead on my own instead of with God’s presence and power, I quickly repented. I yielded to God in the potential of my son dying and my trust of God’s purpose in the middle of my pain came—at the sacrifice of my sense of control.
For Mary, becoming pregnant out of wedlock in a strict Jewish community was not her plan either. But instead of doubting, resisting or rebelling—she trusted God.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
Read: Hear from God
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38).
Reflect: Focus on God
What difficult situation might you be facing this Christmas season?
Are you open to trusting God or resisting his guidance? Are you pulling away, or pulling close to him?
Pray: Talk to God
Talk to God about your reflections above. If you would like a sample prayer, here is one to follow:
Father God, I worship you. Lord, You see me. You know everything in my life better than I do. Forgive me for the moments I do not fully trust your plan. I want the easiest route in this life but sometimes you lead me through the rocky valley. Help me to trust you and follow you, even when the path forward is one I do not want to travel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Do Good:
- Looking for a meaningful way to prepare your family for Christmas? Try our new, classic downloadable Advent Paper Chain. For 25 days, reflect on the love we receive from God and give to others during the holiday season.
- Join us in making a difference with The Salvation Army this season and help families in your community during the holidays and beyond.
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