Advent Devotional: Make Room for JesusSample

Day 1:Intro to Advent

The season of Advent can be an incredible gift for those who follow Jesus because it can give an opportunity to press pause, refocus, and prepare our hearts to celebrate the sacred moment of Jesus coming to our world.

But if we’re not careful, busyness can become the mantra of our lives during the holiday season. That’s why intentionality during Advent is so important. If we don’t carve out time to make room in our hearts and minds to focus on our Savior, the holiday season can be taken captive by busyness. We may quickly find we’ve lost our hope, joy, peace and love in the process.

The word Advent literally means “coming.” Jesus’ first coming as a baby was a picture of the incredible gift of hope that came to us. And He is coming again one day to save those who are eagerly awaiting Him. That is why we must be intentional about our focus. Our world is too loud and our sin is too big to let it take up residence in our heart. This advent season can be an opportunity for us to declutter our hearts and minds and make room for Him.

For decades, Advent season has been a chance to focus on four incredible gifts that Jesus gave when He came to the earth…Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Let’s use this time of Advent to intentionally make room in our hearts so we can focus on these precious gifts from our Savior.

Reflection:

• What is something that often steals your focus and distracts you from centering your attention on Jesus during the holiday season? Why?
• What is one thing you could eliminate during this season so that you can make room to focus on Jesus?

Pray:

Spend some time praying and thanking God for the gift He sent in His Son. Let him know the areas of your life that often fight for your focus and ask Him to give you eyes and ears to experience His hope this Advent season.