The purpose of this devotional is to help prepare you for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. You may do this as your own quiet time, but we would encourage you to gather some family or loved ones to go through it together.

Born to Die

Jesus knew His purpose on this earth was to die. And many times throughout His life, Jesus told His disciples about His death. During the last Supper He told them again that He would die. But knowing didn’t make it any easier. It would still require a full surrender of every part of Himself.

So how could He agree to such a brutal and unwarranted death?

How could He know He would be betrayed and walk into it anyway?

Because He knew the pain would serve a purpose. There would be joy on the other side.

When you know there is a greater purpose, you can endure great pains.

In fact, on that last night He told the disciples, ”This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” His temporary pain for the forgiveness of many was worth it.

So He knew His future was to die, but He still had to trust the Father to do the work. In His final breath, He cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” The word “commit” here can also be translated, “entrusted.” That final act of surrender showed His trust in the Father’s plan.

Mary showed this same type of trust and surrender. When the angel told her that she would be the mother of Jesus, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true” (Luke 1:38). She knew it would not be an easy task, but she trusted that everything she would go through would be for a greater purpose.

What about you?

Do you know your purpose?

Have you surrendered all areas of your life for that greater purpose?

What are the areas you know will be hard but you need to trust God?

-Amy Helmuth, Director of Women's Ministry