Advent Devotions

Download PDF here.

_________________________________________________

Sunday, December 1

Read: Isaiah 2: 1-5

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Advent. The newsletter mentioned sign-ups. Was I ready? I tuned my Spotify to a Christmas playlist and the third verse of the classic “O Holy Night” jumped out at me:

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.

Did I feel peace and love? I was glad that we had planned a vacation in Hawaii when I needed it most. Once there, I was determined to renew my heart. So…

Day 1: Breathe in fresh air and sunshine, breathe out doubts.
Day 2: Breathe in the beauty of God’s creation, breathe out fears.
Day 3: Breathe in rainbows, breathe out anxiety…

It worked. Soon, I felt refreshed and reconnected to God. The peace of Christ had returned. But our God of abundance wasn’t done yet.

Airport- bound, we discovered a flat tire. But with lug nuts removed, the tire wouldn’t budge. Three men (coincidentally of different ages and ethnicities) saw our dilemma and came over to troubleshoot. With kindness, respect, and a clear intent to “Do unto others”, the guys kicked the stuck tire into submission, and we were off.

As Isaiah foretold in today’s passage, walking in the light of the Lord changes everything. Bring it, Advent! I’m ready!

- Terry Comp

Monday, December 2

Read: Jeremiah 33: 14-16

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord,‘ when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
“‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

When Jeremiah wrote these verses, I imagine he was at a low point – discouraged, sad, hopeless. Have you ever had those feelings? I know I have. We all experience these feelings although the circumstances causing the feelings are not always the same. Jeremiah was in prison; some people have financial strain that is overwhelming; some have health issues; some family issues—unfortunately, the list of reasons is long.

But we do not need to be discouraged. The Lord gave hope to Jeremiah, reminding him and us of the promises He had made. He promised that His people would be saved, and that the Savior would come from the line of David and would be called “Our Righteous Savior.” As I read these verses I hear the foreshadowing of the precious story of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ told in the Gospels. Luke (2:11) writes “for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” He is there with us at our highs and our lows. We need only dwell in his word and remember the promises and gift of hope he has given us in his Son Jesus Christ.

- Tippi Manske

Tuesday, December 3

Read: Psalm 72:1-7, 17-19

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.
May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.

Life can be so weary: dealing with an ill parent, a spouse’s stressful job, an inconsiderate neighbor. In this Psalm we are told to pray for our leaders. Add politics to the weary life list. Perhaps this scripture is meant for all of us, not just our leaders, to “rule justly” and care for the poor and the needy.

Late one evening there was a timid knock at the door. A man, with no supplies or identification said he was painting house numbers on the curb. He looked weary. I handed him $20, certain that I had fallen for a scam. When he later told us he had finished, our conversation turned to faith once he found out the music he had heard while he painted was for a church. His life was tumultuous and troubled, but he lived focused on God and God’s grace. We talked for over an hour and we will keep in touch with Calvin, the man who so eloquently described his faith in God and who impressed and inspired us.

God calls us to care for each other, for the needy and the poor. By the way, our curb numbers have never looked so good!

- Ann Moore 

Wednesday, December 4

Read: Romans 15: 4-13

“The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In this scripture, it says everything that was written in the past was to teach us so that we may be able to find the encouragement to find hope. To me this is talking about how in a lot of circumstances and hard times we may get down on ourselves or lose hope that there is no way out of this hard time. However the scripture says that instead of losing hope that you should look around you, find the small things in life that might bring you joy, happiness, and peace. It shows how God doesn’t want us to live the life of loneliness with no hope; he wants us to find joy in the hard times and to rejoice in everything he has done for us. It means that we should look to him for guidance and help in our darkest times.

- Tyler Schoenfeld

Thursday, December 5

Read: Micah 6: 6-8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

A Blessing for the Coming of Justice

Blessed are we,
starting to see the height and depth and breadth
of God’s love that includes all of us,
even the not-so-perfect.

Blessed are you, Mary, for saying yes to the big risk
of being God’s dwelling place.

Blessed are we, like Mary,
starting to sing our own songs of joy
at the thought that maybe this
Advent we too can start to trust it,
to risk it, to live it out,
the love that decides to love first,
before it is earned or deserved,
the love that your incarnation
embodies to the full.

Blessed are we,
breathing in the truth that we belong,
and so does everybody else.

- Kate Bowler, from The Weary World Rejoices 

Friday, December 6

Read: James 5: 7-10

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

One of my biggest weaknesses is that I love to plan. I feel most comfortable when things are organized. This is particularly true during this time of year when so many details cannot be forgotten. I rely heavily on my “things-to-do list”.

In today’s passage from James, who Paul referred to as “the pillar”, I am reminded that patience is based on faith, not on planning. Jesus taught and demonstrated patience in his ministry. As a farmer lives in faith that enough time, rain and proper tending will yield a good crop; faithful prayer and patience will see us through difficult times. This is not a promise that difficult situations will always be resolved the way we want them to be. Some difficulties may not be resolved in this lifetime. However, this passage gives me hope that through faith and patience I may find clarity about how to proceed and through Jesus, I am not alone in the process.

During this Advent season, may we be patient with ourselves and with one another. Blessings for a peaceful Advent and a joyous Christmas.

- Martie Smith

Saturday, December 7

Read: Isaiah 7: 10-16

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

A Blessing for Beginning Again in Advent

God, could this be the year when we see it?
The goodness that is coming,
like starlight from a distant time?

Could this be the Advent when we sense it?
That the springtime of the soul
will one day last forever?

Could this be the Advent when we notice
the inbreaking of your coming promises?
Promises full of blessing:
of truth so clear, so bright
that every shadowy lie must flee away.
of compassion so deep, so strong
that everyone is encircled in its embrace.

of restoration so complete, so beautiful
that there is gladness everywhere.
and of justice so satisfying and so right,
that all will be well.

May this Advent be the new beginning,
as we learn to live by the light
of your coming promises.
Glimpsing the world through tears,
while also seeing something
sacred shining through too.
Our Truth. Our Light.
Our Promise incarnate.

Amen.

- Kate Bowler, from A Weary World Rejoices 

Sunday, December 8

Read: Matthew 1: 18-25

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

This time of year is overflowing with decorating, shopping, and gatherings. Instead of focusing on the amazing gift of Jesus, we can get caught up in thoughts of how others perceive us. Are my lights and yard decorations as good as my neighbors’? Did I find the perfect gift? It’s exhausting to worry about what others think of you.

Can you imagine being Joseph? As a good man, he was going to quietly divorce Mary. Then an angel appeared to him in a dream explaining that the babe was conceived from the Holy Spirit. So, Joseph took Mary home as his wife.

Can you imagine what the community thought, what the whispers were behind Joseph’s back? Joseph didn’t let that sway him. His focus was not on what others thought, but on God and the direction he got from the angel.

At Christmas we should celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. All the trappings are just that - traps. They can divert our focus and attention away from the gift of Jesus Christ to worries about how others see us. This Christmas may we find strength and joy by focusing on the Holy Night that Christ was born.

- Vicki Kubasak 

Monday, December 9

Read: Isaiah 35:1-4

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,
he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

God Will Always Be There

This verse symbolizes that in bad moments there can always be good. Just like how the desert was dry and barren, it bloomed into a magnificent land. It reminds us that God is always with us no matter the situation. This verse provides hope and faith that God is our protector. It also tells us to be strong and not to be afraid for God will be with us. Praise be to God!

- Matias Romero 

Tuesday, December 10

Read: Isaiah 35: 5-10

They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

“O Holy Night” of adoring the long-awaited Messiah, and the gifts of grace, mercy, peace, hope, and love from Almighty God.

Verse two of this beloved Advent hymn, sung by multitudes of diverse, adoring, grateful voices for nearly 200 years:

“The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend.”

We take care of babies, but this Baby takes care of us. The crucified, risen, loving Christ is Savior and Lord, and His Father is still the Composer of holy nights…. often during seemingly endless, lonely, tearful, fearful, anxious nights… with souls crying out to Him through unbearable heartache, loss, rejection, abandonment, injustice, betrayal, discouragement, and disappointment.

In the darkness, the Light of the world heals, comforts, brightens spirits, and strengthens and inspires body and soul to meet the new day the Lord has made.

The first magnificent Holy Night has been followed by holy nights as countless as the bright stars of the first Christmas. Our King continues to light our path through the darkest nights.

Psalm 18:28
Psalm 63:6

- Greg Hayes 

Wednesday, December 11

Read: Matthew 11: 2-6

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

From prison, John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” It is easy feel like John and to look around at what is going on in the world and possibly in our lives and wonder if we are still waiting for Jesus to show up. It is okay to have those feelings, but as followers of God we need to have faith, faith that He is working in our lives and in the world even if we can’t see the full picture. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

- Kelley Cannizzaro 

Thursday, December 12

Read: Matthew 11: 7-11

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”

Wow, here we are again. The hustle and bustle of this season can sometimes cast shade on the profound truth that amid our weariness, hope is born anew. This, however, is the truth. The Christmas song "O Holy Night" beautifully captures this sentiment, proclaiming, "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices."

In this weary world, where burdens often feel heavy and hope can seem distant, we are reminded of the light that breaks through the darkness. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love and promise. It is a reminder that hope is not just for the strong, but for the weary, the broken, and the lost.

When we consider our own struggles—whether they be personal challenges, societal issues, or the weight of grief—we can find comfort in the knowledge that God sees our weariness. He invites us to rest in Him, to lay our burdens down, and to rejoice in the promise of His coming.

This Christmas, let us embrace the message of hope and allow our weary hearts to rejoice. Let us share that joy with others, becoming conduits of His love and light in a world that so desperately needs it.

- Mike Barber 

Friday, December 13

Read: Psalm 146: 1-10

Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

As we cozy up in the warmth of December nights, Psalm 146 invites us to lift our voices in praise. “Praise the Lord, my soul!” reminds us that our hope shouldn’t be tied to a politician or someone in the media but to God himself.

In this special season, we reflect on the true source of our joy. The night that brought Jesus into the world was filled with humble beginnings—the heavens sang hope to shepherds just like us. Just as God shows compassion to the broken and feeds the hungry, we’re called to spread that love and light in our communities.

In a world that can often feel heavy, let’s find strength in knowing that God cares for the brokenhearted and sets the captives free. This Advent, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, let our hearts be filled with praise, service, and hope, knowing that Jesus loves us eternally.

May this holy night remind us to embrace the light of His love and share it with others, welcoming the joy that the birth of Christ brings into our everyday lives.

- Aubrie Hansen 

Saturday, December 14

Read: Isaiah 52: 7-10

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.

A Blessing for Open Arms

Blessed are you with open arms
to welcome God this Advent,
willing to invite its promises
into the center of your longing.

Blessed are you,
even now in the waiting.
Open to receiving what is beautiful
though clothed in such precarity.

Blessed are you,
agreeing to stand still long enough
to let your eyes adjust to the darkness
until the starlight begins to appear,
the dawning of God’s promises.

In that gentle light,
find a corner of your heart
where hope can stay protected.
A place from which we can
nurture a little gratitude,
a little compassion,
enough to go around.

Some for God and some for yourself.
And some for the next unsuspecting
soul that wanders into your light.

- Kate Bowler, from A Weary World Rejoices 

Sunday, December 15

Read: Luke 1: 26-38

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

The Advent season is full of promise. Mary was first troubled to hear the angel’s message, that she would bear a son. The angel told her that her son would be great and would sit on David’s throne.

The angel’s words were intended to give her comfort and faith. God would not fail. That is the promise of the Advent season, when all seems bleak, when we are worn out and tired… that Jesus will be born and provide the thrill of hope that God has promised.

- John Aird 

Monday, December 16

Read: Isaiah 11:1-5

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah predicted that there would be a savior from the lineage of David, and 800 years later that prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus. It was said that he would have the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding. He would have the Spirit of Counsel and Might. He would have the Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord. He will judge, not with his eyes and ears, but with Righteousness. Jesus is all of these things and more!

We all live in a weary world, where it often feels like there is just one problem after another. There will always be issues with our families, friends, homes, health, jobs, governments...it never ends! But Jesus brings the hope we need. He is the reason for us to rejoice everyday! Jesus brings the wisdom and understanding to help us see the world as he sees it...with joy, hope, peace and love.

Jesus...help us not to judge others by what we see with our eyes and our ears, but in the same way that you do. Please grant us the wisdom and understanding to see the blessings you have bestowed upon us, each and every day. Amen.

- Kim Brosnan 

Tuesday, December 17

Read: Isaiah 11:6-9

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

As I listen to the song "O Holy Night," I am reminded of the profound peace, hope, love, and joy that the birth of Christ brings to our weary world. The lyrics declare, "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices," resonating deeply in this season of Advent, especially in this time with so much division and strife around the world.

Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of harmony: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." Isaiah’s prophetic vision of peace reflects the essence of Christ's coming—bringing unity and restoration.

In a world weary from recent elections, societal divides and wars, let us embrace this Advent season with expectant hearts. Jesus' birth is a promise of transformation, where love overcomes hatred, hope dispels despair, and joy replaces sorrow. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, may we be inspired to foster peace in our communities, embody hope in our actions, and share love abundantly. As we sing, “For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn,” may we remember Advent is a time of expectation of the coming peace.

- Lori Wilson 

Wednesday, December 18

Read: Psalm 27: 1-6

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Advent invites us to step into the light of God’s promises, even as the world feels heavy with weariness. David’s words in Psalm 27 remind us that in God’s presence, our fears can melt away. He seeks the beauty of the Lord and finds solace in God's dwelling place—a sanctuary where troubles cannot overwhelm. In a time when despair looms, David’s hope radiates through his declaration: “I will sing and make melody to the Lord” (v. 6).

"The weary world rejoices." As we anticipate the coming of Christ, we carry the burdens of a world longing for peace, justice, and joy. Yet, like David, we can rejoice in the assurance that God’s light will shine brighter than any darkness.

In this Advent season, as we light candles and sing carols, let our hearts be reminded that Christ is the fulfillment of David’s confidence. In Christ, we have a stronghold for our souls. Even amid weariness, we are invited to join in the heavenly refrain: “Fall on your knees,” for the Light has come, and our salvation is near.

- Rev. Andy Mattick 

Thursday, December 19

Read: Hebrews 1:1-4

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

In Hebrews 1:1-4, we are reminded of God’s divine plan. When God sent Jesus, “ the radiance of God’s glory” into the world, God knew what Jesus would do, and that was to redeem the people. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven. We are so grateful for him, a gift so strong and loving. Let us all be calm knowing that God can hear us sing holy praises. Let us sleep at night knowing that God will answer our prayers, perhaps in unexpected ways. Let us rejoice knowing that, even when we struggle through tough times, we have guidance and strength from Jesus. If we listen, he will lead us and light the way.

- Capri Yagiela 

Friday, December 20

Read: Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A Blessing for Our Part in the Bigger Story

Blessed are we,
gathered already into the plot,
part of the epic story you have been writing
from long before we were ever born.

Thank you that we are not separated
into lives of loneliness
but joined together as those
who were loved into being.
We are made for meaning and a purpose
that only our days can breathe into action.

Pull us closer to the bigger story that
reminds us
that our ordinary lives
are the stuff of eternity.

You fitted each of our days
for small efforts and endless attempts
to pick ourselves up again.
In our triumphs and embarrassments.
we need to be told again (sigh)
that we are not just everyday problems.
We are a story of extraordinary love.

- Kate Bowler, from A Weary World Rejoices 

Saturday, December 21

Read: Luke 1: 39-45

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

I feel these verses mean that, no matter where you are, what you believe in, or how old you are, you should always be able to see God and the Holy Spirit. There are times and places where I don't know things; and that makes me feel uncomfortable and weird, but I always keep going and just remember that this is where God wants me to be and what he wants me to know. Like an author not wanting to reveal the plot of the story or when you are blindfolded and taken to a surprise.

- Micah Rivera 

Sunday, December 22

Read: Luke 1: 46-55

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”

Mary has just confirmed the Angel’s message to be true. Her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant in her old age. Mary is to be the mother of the Savior! She is overcome with emotion and moved to express herself in a song of praise: “God has lifted up humble servants. He has filled the hungry.” These words foreshadow a society turned upside down. One in which the proud are scattered, the rulers brought down, the rich sent away empty. This is the world that Jesus would describe repeatedly (Matthew 5:3-10, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:16-21, John 13:16)

Did God accomplish this by delivering a Savior to us from humble beginnings?

How do we see this fulfilled (or not) in our community and in our country today?

Prayer: Lord, please help us to see the ways in which we can become servants of your people. Deliver us from temptations of chasing power and earthly wealth. Help us know the true wealth that comes from spreading your love.

- Jen Tang 

Monday, December 23

Read: Luke 2: 8-15

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Just outside Bethlehem, shepherds were watching their flocks in the stillness of night. These were ordinary men, often overlooked by society. Humble, working poor who lived far from the centers of power and privilege. Yet it was to these shepherds that the angel appeared, bringing the most extraordinary news: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

Their world, like ours, was marked by political unrest, social inequality, and spiritual longing. Yet in their weariness, they were chosen to hear the first proclamation of Christ’s birth—a message of hope that pierced the darkness.

Today, you or others you know may feel as weary as those shepherds: exhausted by uncertainty, loss, and the weight of everyday struggles. Yet the same hope the angels announced is offered to us. Christ entered our weary world to bring peace and joy. Like the shepherds, we are invited to move from fear to faith, from despair to hope.

May the good news of Christ’s birth ignite joy in our hearts and remind us that even in difficult times, God meets us where we are, bringing hope to a weary world. The shepherds’ story reminds us that God meets us in the ordinary and transforms it into the extraordinary. In Christ, even the darkest nights can give way to radiant joy. May the good news of Christ’s birth ignite joy in our hearts and remind us that even in difficult times, God’s light is never far from us.

- Rev. Camille Mattick 

Tuesday, December 24

Read: Luke 2: 16-20

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The current danger of armed conflict in Europe expanding with Russia reminds me of my time in Germany in the early 1980s as an Army logistician. An “Iron Curtain” separated the military forces of the former Soviet Union and NATO in the Cold War. Tensions mounted with civil unrest in Poland, so my combat division deployed to positions near the border. Unfortunately, a “100 year” storm struck as we advanced, and roads became impassable. Black ice and snow locked us in place. Misunderstandings led to additional posturing and the danger of conflict grew rapidly.

While leading a convoy of fuel tankers crawling along the frozen back roads, my jeep slid off the road. Exhausted, cold and frightened, my eyes were drawn to the hilltop above me.

Bright lights showed over a magnificent medieval castle which somehow reminded me of King Herod. Out in the countryside, shepherds were honoring a child.

A peace came over me. The storm would lift! A few days later the sun broke through, and we crawled back to base. There I encountered panic amid fear of a coming battle. Filled with hope, I and others spread the word that peace would prevail. Christmas was coming!

- Mark Murphy 

Wednesday, December 25

Read: John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A power outage struck our neighborhood recently. I was driving home when suddenly, I couldn’t see. Street lamps, traffic lights, homes—all were dark. I cut my speed in half, terrified I’d miss an oncoming car or people out walking their dogs.

Sometimes the dark is pleasant and serene. We vacation to escape the “light pollution” of big cities, and celebrities tell of darkness retreats. This was not that. This dark was disorienting, endless, and intense.

What I wouldn’t have given that night for a few houses covered in Christmas lights! Light imagery is everywhere in the Bible and everywhere at Advent. How fun it is to ride about town, taking in the displays and listening to Christmas tunes—sometimes even synced!

But the lights are more than mere festivity. Our God is “the Father of Lights.” James 1:17-18. Our Lord is “the light of all mankind.” John 1:4. We sing not “all is tranquil, all is dark,” but “all is calm, all is bright.” Because when the darkness comes, sudden and abrupt, to the world and to our hearts, Jesus is there to meet it. His “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5.

- Evan Wooten