Ministry / A blanket of delightful devotions
Many of us American Christians have had the truths of Scripture woven into our lives through family devotions. Perhaps those came directly from the Word as Dad read the Christmas story aloud after supper. Or maybe, while we snuggled under our blanket at bedtime, Mom read a short devotion from a small booklet produced by Northwestern Publishing House. When we were baptized, we were consecrated (devoted) to Jesus as the one who had called us from death to life. When we were confirmed, we devoted ourselves as followers of Christ for the rest of our lives. We inherited a devotional way of life: in the Word to learn of God’s grace; in works of service to express our gratitude.
Devotion comes from the root word devote or devoted. It can be defined in terms of love, loyalty, dedication, or application. Feeling or showing love? A devoted mother made sure her baby got every ounce of nutrition he needed. Firm in one’s allegiance to someone or something? In her election speech, she remembered her most devoted supporters. To keep or intend for a special purpose? I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my daughter. To occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention? Planning to be a missionary, he's been intensely devoting himself to the study of Mandarin.
Chinese families need Christmas
Few of our friends in China have had the same legacy of devotional truths. They didn’t have parents who were believers. They didn’t grow up within the framework of a Christian household which was dedicated to thanking God through worship and acts of service. They didn’t know that Advent looks back at the coming of our promised Savior while also hinting at his second coming. They didn’t hear how his birth was celebrated by shepherds and ushered in by angel hosts. They didn’t light Advent candles on a wreath or listen as the true Christmas story was recounted. They didn’t open Advent calendar boxes and memorize passages that popped out at you.
Advent and Christmas are, like Lent and Easter, peak times for developing devotional habits. The content of our annual worship cycle centers on Christ, his birth, and then his death/resurrection. These are the core stories that we need – for our own lives, and for our children’s and our grandchildren’s lives. They help us return each season to the loving sacrifice of our king. He saves us, not because of how devoted we are to him, but because of his devotion to us. He saves us, simply stated, because he loves us. There is no higher thought for human heads and no better place for us to be.
Meditate on Jesus
So, during these special days that we call holy days (the holiday season), find devotions and Scriptures that enable you to meditate on Jesus. Assemble your family around an Advent wreath. Light candles and contemplate the wonder of God’s son entering our world. Good devotional materials will include Bible verses, activities, and other thoughts that anchor the season in Christ.
Of course, calendars and wreaths can be little more than superficial trappings unless combined with substantive worship, prayer, and devotion to seek intimacy with God. When you observe Advent, note that it is far more than counting down to Christmas. Recalibrate your heart on Christ. Thanking God for dispatching him to redeem us, and expectantly awaiting his return will deepen your celebration of Christmas in all its facets. So much so, that you might even share that square of chocolate from the Advent calendar...maybe.
Remember China
In the warmth of your gratefulness this season, add a prayer for our mutual outreach to the Chinese people. Here are a few previous devotions written for 316NOW that might also enhance your Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.
2023
2022
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2020