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Devotional Inspired by the Advent Candle Wreath
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21 CSB
‣ Hope. Keep hope alive in your heart, for it is the heartbeat to having a healthy Christmas spirit. This 2023 year may not have been all that you had dreamed it would be. I know how that feels, but I also know that if we allow the dark moments of this year overshadow all that God has done for us, then we lose hope, and "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." (Proverbs 13:12 NLT) SO... "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23 NIV) This year isn't over. Anchor yourself in hope by recalling all the good things God has done for you and keep dreaming about the good things to come because "a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."(Proverbs 13:12 NLT)
‣ Faith. Faith keeps your heart rooted in Christ, and what do roots need? Water and nutrients. A starved spirit shows up in the level of faith we have in God. Therefore, if you find that your faith is weak, feed your faith with the Word of God. Take about five minutes every day to read the Bible and ask the question, "Who is God?" As you find answers to that question in what you read, write them down in a journal. The more time you spend to get to know God, the more you feed your faith. "Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" (Matthew 4:4 NIV)
‣ Joy. Keep and maintain joy to strengthen both you and your heart. There are a lot of preparations that go into celebrating Christmas. Without joy, those preparations can become burdensome, which can lead to burnout. Psalm 32:11 (CSB) says, "Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Find a way, then, every day to be glad in the Lord whether it's through playing worship Christmas music or playing with kids. There is always something you can do to be glad in the Lord and fill up your heart with joy.
‣ Peace. Keep peace at the forefront of your heart, for it will keep you in the right perspective. There are so many fun activities, parties, and events surrounding Christmas that we can easily get wrapped-up in (see what I did there? 😉). But if any of those extras cause you to lose your peace, ask yourself if it is worth it. Peace sustains the soul so that we can listen better and make better decisions. And peace is one of the reasons why Jesus came and why He will come again. ""Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27 NIV)
‣ Light. Keep the Light of the World, whose name is Jesus, as the center of your heart. "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'" (John 8:12 NKJV) A heart prepared for the celebration of Jesus' birth is a heart shining His glorious light of life. This is what He died to give you and me...LIFE. Darkness was our destiny until Jesus stepped in and sacrificed Himself in our place. Now light is ours to have and behold and to shine forth. The life we have been given both now and eternal, then, is the ultimate reason to give God praise every day, to prepare for a Christmas birthday celebration, and to fill our hearts with faith, hope, joy, and peace so that the Light of those qualities shine out for all to see.
"Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!"
Psalm 32:11 NIV
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