Daily Devotionals
DECEMBER 10, 2021
This is the second week of Advent. Our devotions this week are on the theme of “My Christmas Memory.”
In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
I Peter 3:15
Every year while growing up, my mother and I spent the day after Thanksgiving putting away all the fall décor and unpacking boxes upon boxes of Christmas decorations. My mother would play Amy Grant’s famous Christmas cassette and hang garlands, while I unwrapped my favorite decoration, our family nativity set. This nativity set has been in our family for four generations, and it wasn’t until I was seven that I was entrusted to set it up all by myself. Over time some of the pieces, like the donkey, have been replaced. Other pieces, though, are original and belonged to my great-grandfather. One of the sheep has brittle legs and must rest against a shepherd in order the stand properly. The frayed cord that connected the “star” lightbulb to the stable was replaced fifteen years ago because my mother was worried it would burn the house down. I remember holding each piece gently and taking in the look of the old wood, the chipped paint, and even the smell of the box. Even if He wasn’t the first to be unwrapped, Baby Jesus was always the first to find His spot and the rest of the nativity was set around Him. As such a young child, I truly felt like I was holding something sacred in my hands and this was my interaction with something holy. Once the nativity was fully set, I would turn on the star and simply take in the scene. Isn’t this the true meaning of Advent–taking time to quiet our spirits and preparing ourselves to experience the divine? Doesn’t it include making sure that Jesus is at the center of the Christmas season and of our lives? Let’s allow the anticipation of His coming to fill us with hope, joy, peace, and love. It is my hope and prayer that we all have childlike faith during this Advent season.
For Reflection
When in your life do you feel like you have experienced something holy?
What is a step you could take today to prepare yourself for the coming of Christ this Advent season?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the season of Advent and the opportunity to refocus our attention on the coming of your Son. I pray that we would look for Your sacred presence throughout our day and acknowledge small glimpses of the Holy. Turn our eyes continually to Jesus and the hope He brings with His expected arrival. Amen.
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