Devotions with Pastor Michael

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” Isaiah 40:31 (CEB)

This year our family is participating in the advent devotional given out by our family ministry team. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it involves reading a passage of Scripture, sharing a little devotional, and placing a sticker of a character or item of the Christmas story onto a cardboard scene that will eventually depict the nativity scene. The sticker might be shepherd, an angel, or the manger. Each piece of the advent devotional is intended to point us to the birth the Christ.

Each day my kids anticipate placing one of the stickers onto the scene. Each day we feel a small sense of delight and satisfaction as we see and hear the story unfold. Once we experience the small blessing of the day, we can’t wait to see what will be in store for the next day. Each time, it’s a small glimpse of what is to come. Summed up into one word, it’s anticipation.

As Christmas approaches, what if you looked for small glimpses of Christ every day? If you look for him, I promise you will find him. You might see an act of kindness, reminding you of God’s grace. You might see an individual serving another, reminding you that Jesus came to serve and not be served. You might see him in some of the most unexpected places.

I challenge you to anticipate seeing Christ today. Start by asking God for eyes to see and ears to hear him. Since every day is gift from God and an opportunity to know God more, let today be one in which you hope in the Lord.

-Pastor Michael