Advent: The Coming of Jesus ChristSample

DEVOTIONAL

Welcome back to Day 21 of Advent! We're getting so close to Christmas; can you believe it?!

Today, we're continuing to celebrate the JOY candle from a different perspective. Just after the shepherds arrived to meet baby Jesus, Scripture says Mary took a moment to treasure and ponder.

Think of how much Mary and Joseph's life has changed in the last nine months! Imagine how Mary felt at this moment. I'm sure she was exhausted from giving birth and nursing. Maybe Jesus did not sleep through the night, so she had to stay awake with him. She's tired, not in her own home and with a newborn.

Then, these shepherds come in expecting to visit. She lets them. Most of us would be so stressed out at this point in the story.

Many of us would want a nap right about at this point. But Mary had a different approach. She slowed down the moment because she knew how precious it was. Sure, she was tired and homesick. Of course, she felt nervous about raising the Son of God. However, in Luke 2:19, she treasures this messy life moment. She ponders the memory in her heart. Mary wasn't just looking at the superficial facts of that day; she was looking at the heart of what God was doing in her life that day. She was savoring the JOY.

How can you slow down, treasure, and ponder JOY this week?

ACTIVITY

It's time for another Kindness Activity! We want you to think of one way to bring JOY to your neighbor, yes, your literal neighbor, this weekend. Be sure to treasure the moment you spend with them! Here are some ideas:

• Make them cookies
• Bring them a poinsettia
• Rake their yard
• Check in to see how they are doing - ask them their plans for Christmas
• Invite them over for coffee or dinner
• Drop off a Christmas basket filled with goodies
• Invite them to your church's Christmas Eve service