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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 3: Don’t Wait
Take a deep breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts through today’s reflection.
What are you waiting on God for this Christmas? A job? Restored relationship? Inner peace? Sometimes waiting on God can feel like forever.
The Israelites waited for their hoped-for Messiah—for generations. It was like God tucked away Jesus under a cosmic Christmas tree, only to be opened after hundreds of years (Gal. 4:4).
Yet, as God’s people waited, he offered hopeful words through prophets. One hopeful word he offered came through the prophet Nathan to King David: one day a King would come from David’s line that would reign forever (1 Sam. 7).
Later, God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah about a time coming for Israel when God would “forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more” and write the truth on their hearts (Jer. 31:31–34).
But when would this King come?
As we cross off dates on the calendar this December, let’s consider that sometimes God’s delay from our perspective is his perfect timing. At just the right time God sent his son.
Whatever you might be waiting for this Christmas, God’s timing is perfect. In the meantime, we don’t need to wait to draw near to God through Christ—and his presence will help sustain us as we wait for the longings of our heart.
Read: Hear from God
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord (Ps. 27:14).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint (Is. 40:31).
Reflect: Focus on God
Is there something in your life or relationship with God that you are waiting for?
Have you prayed about it? Have you placed your surrendered trust in his hand?
Is there something you know you need to do as you wait?
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 the gift of your Son, Jesus. Lord, please forgive me for ______________ . God, you know the longings of my heart. Please help me to trust you as I wait. 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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