Cherish the Adventنموونە

The following devotion is written from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, who was rescued from evil spirits by Jesus and given a whole new opportunity to live life in freedom.

Do you, or anyone you know, love the baby stage? If you’re a parent or grandparent or have a little one in your life, you know how awesome it is to hold a child close. Especially after they start sleeping through the night.

It can be hard to let go of those babies; we’re hesitant to let them grow.

I think we’re like that with Christmas as believers. Stuck in the baby stage. We park at the manger at Christmas. I’m not being critical of those cherished days with babies. Don’t get me wrong. And please don’t pick up any stones. I’ve been there before.

It's worth stopping to enjoy all the mystery and beauty of Jesus’ birth. But there’s so much more! When I think of the advent of Christ, I can't help but think about being set free. Not by a baby, but by a man.

My story was one of total darkness. You may have heard of it.

To put it mildly, I wasn’t treated well by men or by spirits. In fact, I was filled with evil spirits, and no one could help me: no doctor, no priest, no prophet. My family had to put me in chains just to keep me from harming myself.

You may not know this, but I came from a wealthy family. There was a time when we could afford to buy anything, but my family couldn't buy my freedom from that darkness.

It was shameful for all of us. It was terrifying. For everyone! But especially for me. Would I ever be myself again? What was happening to my body and my soul? What did it say about my family?

And then I met Jesus, and he set me free. One demon after the other, out of my body and soul. Freed.

My mind was freed. My future was suddenly wide open. I could now serve Jesus and walk in his ways. Walk physically beside the Messiah. Follow him, from glory to glory.

Christmas, for me, is a reminder that Jesus came to set all women and all men free from their darkest darkness. Released from their greatest fear into a hope that is indescribable.

Not only in this life but also in life everlasting.

Take time today to light a candle for Advent, the candle of Hope. All our hopes are realized when Jesus sets us free. May you know the hope of Christ this Advent season and every season of your life. Amen.

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