Preparing for Christmas: A 5-Day Advent Devotional From Worship TogetherSample

LOVE!

Have you ever felt like God’s love was far away? Maybe you’ve prayed to God, but heard nothing. That silence can make you feel alone and ashamed all rolled into one empty feeling. But silence is not the same thing as distance. Do not think for one moment that God does not hear your prayers. Did you know that for 400 years before Jesus arrived on the scene, God’s people heard nothing from God? God was silent. No prophets, no miracles, not word from the Lord at all—just deafening silence. Do you think God left them? Do you think God’s people were discouraged or began to give up on God’s faithfulness? Perhaps they thought all hope was lost. But then, in the most unexpected way, in the most unlikely place and time, the answer to all their prayers, questions, fears, and hopelessness appeared. In a little town called Bethlehem, the glory of Christmas was born—Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In that single act of love, everything became clear. God did hear their prayers. God was not far from His people.

Do you feel like God can’t hear you? If so, remember that He works in His timing, not yours. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He came exactly when He needed to. All of the silence of heaven was not an abandonment from God, but a preparation for God’s greatest gift of love—our Emmanuel, God with us. So, when you have times where you think God is silent, remember the promise of Christmas and thank God for the promise of the miracle to come. God is always with you and, when you invite Him into your life, He we will never leave or forsake you. At Christmas, and all throughout the year, worship the One who came to break the silence in your heart and, with all glory and power, forever silence the enemy’s hold on you. That’s the greatest kind of love there is. And it’s why Jesus was born—to save you and love you unconditionally.