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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 23: The Hard Road Ahead
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
Imagine biting into your favorite pizza but quickly finding out the crust is made of playdough. This is not what you imagined. When Simeon spoke a blessing to Mary and Joseph, I imagine it tasted like playdough pizza.
First, Simeon spoke of the wonderful destiny for Jesus (see yesterday’s reflection), but next we come to today’s verses. Simeon blessed Mary, Joseph and Jesus, and then said these words to Jesus’ mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34–35).
A sword will pierce your own soul, too? What kind of blessing is that?!
The reality was, in order for Jesus to fulfill his destiny to live a perfect life (1 Peter 2:22), proclaim the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:1–20), die on the cross for humanity’s sin (Rom. 6:10), and rise again to conquer sin and death for us (Matt. 28:5–6)—he would endure criticism, rejection, opposition and ultimately betrayal and death.
The sword that pierced Mary’s soul would be the sword that pierced the side of her child on the cross.
Friend, we are not immune to difficulty as we follow Jesus. In fact, it’s almost a guarantee. Life is not like a perfectly crafted pizza with golden crust baked to perfection—it’s more like a playdough pizza. There’s the good—and the salty.
Read: Hear from God
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34–35).
Reflect: Focus on God
What is (or has been) difficult for you in your pursuit of following Jesus?
How does Simeon’s announcement of Mary’s pain help you?
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 know how long this road has been for me—and how much longer the road will be. All I know is I need your strength and faith enough to learn to thrive following you on this road. Please help me, my God, powerful and true. I worship you. 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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