Advent Devotional – 12.30.2021
Anonymous
How Jesus makes a Difference in my Life
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.
Just a few days before my 14th birthday on a hot summer day, my father went to work and never came home. My 44 year old dad was killed in an explosion at work. My mother, my sister, my brother and I were devastated. How could this be? We were in total shock. He was such a kind, godly husband, father, and friend. How were we to go forward without his presence in our lives?
We were overwhelmed with sorrow. Finances were difficult. We also knew our Mom was trying hard, but exhausted. Mom got a permanent substitute teaching job. She went to work early each morning. Two nights a week she drove an hour and a half one way to Ball State University to renew her teaching license and to get her masters.
As the holidays approached, we did not know how we could possibly celebrate Christmas. The one gift we wanted we knew we would not receive. We debated about going to Christmas Eve services and decided it was important for us to celebrate Christ’s birth. We had much to be thankful for despite our sadness.
During the service, our pastor shared that a man had come to him and asked what he needed to do to accept Christ. Our pastor explained and he accepted Christ. This gentleman said he worked with a man who quietly, but meaningfully shared his faith. He wanted to have this same kind of faith. It was a sweet story. Later our pastor told us that the man who shared his faith was our dad. This gentleman wanted to know Jesus. This warmed our hearts. It was a reminder that God’s plans are not always our plans, but God can bring great good out of difficult times. Our father had led someone to faith in Jesus Christ.
It is also a message that even in the darkest moments, Jesus is with us. Jesus is the greatest gift we will ever receive. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we will one day see loved ones again. God will provide and we are never alone or forgotten.
As the years have gone by, I can see that I am a better person for knowing sorrow. I thank God for his protection, his Word and the gift of his son, Jesus Christ, my savior.
“Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ the newborn King”
Dear God,
Help us to see your love even during difficult times. Teach us to see what is important about Christmas. It isn’t the packages under the tree; it is the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Remind us to share the message of Christ’s birth and God’s love to everyone we meet.
In your Holy Name,
Amen