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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 18: Jesus’ Birth
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
Everyday something happens that might not fit our plans—the tire pops, the coffee spills, the computer crashes. I think we’re safe to assume Mary’s plans didn’t include giving birth far from home. So, what can we see in her story that might help us in our own?
Joseph needed to take his family to Bethlehem for a census. So, Mary, with the womb-held baby Jesus, climbed onto a donkey (I imagine with birthing cloths and homemade remedies just in case). Joseph led them in the estimated four-day trek through the countryside—without roadside restaurants for pregnancy cravings or living room couches to prop up swollen feet.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary’s stomach squeezed with labor pains. They searched for a place to give birth—ancient Israel didn’t have pre-paid hotel rooms or hospitals. No rooms were found. Then someone (possibly an extended family member) offered what they could—the place where they kept the animals.
Away from the comfort of her home in Nazareth, Mary writhed in labor and birthed the Savior of the world. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a feeding trough.
Mary took her imperfect circumstances and embraced the moment. The Scripture doesn’t record her complaining or yelling at Joseph, “Can’t you find me a nicer place!?” No, instead she lived out what she earlier told the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38).
So too, our Christmas might not look ideal this year. The budget might be too tight for gifts—or maybe your dinner burns in the oven. Whatever happens unplanned, may we have the same heart as Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant.” It’s about Jesus’ birthday, not plans happening perfectly.
Read: Hear from God
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:1-7).
Reflect: Focus on God
What are some of your Christmas expectations?
Take a moment to let go of placing your joy on the perfect plans and offer yourself to be God’s servant to those in your life.
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, thank you for Jesus and the humble way you came into the world. I see that Christmas is not about fancy; it’s about your presence. You came into a poor family with no fancy place to lay your head—your first earthly bed was a feeding trough. Please help me to lay aside what I think “should be,” to embrace what “is” and to follow you with open arms to every moment. 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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