From Advent Conspiracy ... "Daily Advent Devotionals, Day 12"

Daily Advent Devotionals, Day 12

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Luke 1:68-69

It is often said that “patience is a virtue.” But when is it okay to give up patience? After 10 minutes? A year? A decade? A century??? The Israelites waited hundreds of years for God to raise up a mighty savior. Generations waited in hope. The Israelites did not give up on God’s promise.

After generations of waiting, Zechariah was visited by an angel of God who came with an astonishing message. Your long wait is over. Your hope is fulfilled. The messiah is near. God is entering the world in a new way that will fulfill hope and renew grace. Imagine that. Zechariah’s response to this astounding news is to shout a blessing. What a blessing he was to receive.

Today we have grown increasingly impatient.

We want what we want right now. That leaves little room for hope and trust that God will respond. Have you ever given up hope in God? In a world of quick responses, it is easy to give up on God when God doesn’t respond a quickly as Siri, Alexa, or Amazon Prime. But what would it look like to be patient and not lose hope?

Reflect

Imagine what blessings God has in store when you surrender and practice patience like Zechariah. Practicing patience does not mean waiting a lifetime; it means being still and patient enough to await God’s wisdom which always comes.

Pray

Almighty God,

Grant me still patience in my busy life to look and to listen for You. As You were present in the world in the Incarnation, be present with me, that I may know the joys and blessings that you offer this season.

Amen.

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Advent Conspiracy was founded on the radical idea that we can celebrate Christmas humbly, beautifully, and generously. Advent is the story of a wondrous moment when God entered our world to make things right. It is the greatest story ever told and it changes everything — including the way we celebrate Christmas.

Be part of a different story this Christmas, one that celebrates our King and brings hope to a watching world ...

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... and join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be—a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us.