From Advent Conspiracy ... "Daily Advent Devotionals, Day 8"

Daily Advent Devotionals, Day 8

Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will call him, Emmanuel. (Emmanuel means “God with us.”) When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus.
Matthew 1:22-25

Waiting is hard.

Most often, we have the ability to get whatever we want or need in an extremely quick and easy way. Due to this convenience, we have become extremely impatient. As we find ourselves in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this advent season, patience seems to be one of the first things to go. Yet, as we come together to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All, patience is one of the key aspects needed to fully embrace and live out this countercultural movement.

The scripture for today declares that “Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled.” This took over 500 years of patiently waiting for the coming of Emmanuel to break into space and time, so that God could be with us and, ultimately, save us.

Reflect

As you move through the day, look for opportunities to be a co-conspirator for the transformation of the world by slowing down and waiting.

Pray

Almighty7 God,

Allow me to slow down and wait on you. Stir up within me, a vision of your kingdom coming in the stillness and quiet moment of life, so that I might be able join with you and become a conspirator for the transformation of this world through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever.

Amen.

---

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 ...

• Worship Fully
• Spend Less
• Give More
• Love All

... 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.