Abide in Jesus - 4-Day Advent DevotionalSample

Every year our social calendar fills up quickly this time of year. Christmas parties with friends, family gatherings, work obligations, church programs - and don't forget all the cooking and cleaning and shopping and decorating that happens. We're on the go constantly, which makes being spiritually awake so difficult.

This Christmas season - we should be like cows. 

Wait…cows?!?

Think about it - cows chew on cud all day. The cows need the nutrients to live, so they patiently, slowly ruminate on their source of nourishment, rather than gulping down helpings of sod. Similarly, instead of gulping our spiritual meal each day, we should slow down and absorb it, repeatedly "chewing" on God's Word throughout the day. This is what the biblical writers call meditation. Another word is contemplation. 

The goal of contemplation is to rest in God's presence. Listening to Him rather than talking. Staying still and quiet, especially during this season, takes effort. But God's Word is the bread our souls desperately need to live. As you sit with His truth, allowing it to "digest" in your soul, you'll be more aware of God's presence in your life and the world around you. 

Read Matthew 1:22-25 twice. Look for a word or phrase that stands out to you.

Next, reflect on an area in your life that you can connect to the word or phrase you've chosen. Why have you chosen this word in particular, and what is the connection to your life? Why do you think you are drawn to it in this moment?

Then pray, asking God to make clear what He wants to say to you. Pray with anticipation and wait patiently for His response.

Finally, listen as you sit with the Spirit of God. Come back to this later in the day. Has God revealed anything more to you as you reflect further?