Every Good Gift: A 28-Day Advent DevotionalSample

This week we have learned a lot about hope and the good life by looking more closely at James 3:13:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” 

Said another way: Those who live in such a way that puts others first and determine how to do so by following the example of Christ will demonstrate a life filled with hope. They will do this through their good deeds that point others to Jesus, the true source of hope. 

What makes a life good? Hope received and hope given. Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the gift of hope that God has given us in Christ. The grace of this season is that each year we can unwrap these precious gifts again. The gift of hope is essential to the good life, but we know that it is more than just a matter of receiving. The good life, as we have learned this week, is just as much about giving the gift of hope to others. How do we do that? Through good deeds. The deeds done in humility that ensures it is not all about us. And the deeds that come from wisdom, which is a life lived for the sake of others.

Take time to think about the good life today. Worship the God who gave the good gift of hope to you. Pause to reflect on what you have learned about the good life and ask God to reveal how you can spread hope this season. God made this simple: hope creates the good life and the good life shares hope. 

Prayer:

God, You are the Giver of hope. Today I pause and unwrap the gift of hope again. Thank you for this good gift! It is so wonderful that I want to share it with those who need it most. Show me ways that I can be wise and understanding, living out the good life through deeds that point others to You. Amen.