Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 17

Advent – Day 17

The Eyes of Faith. How do you know you have faith? Faith moves you to act, as we see the shepherds act in this pericope of scripture. We continue our Advent devotional series from the book of Luke. Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth, and second coming of our Lord Jesus in this Christmas season, and its significance to each one of us.

Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 15-18

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 Devotional Thoughts

I always wondered what made the shepherds receive the announcement of the angels without second thoughts. They believed it enough to travel several miles into Bethlehem to see with their own eyes what had been proclaimed. This is the kind of faith we are called to. To believe God’s word without doubting, including his promises toward us until we can “see” it. Our faith must also move us to take action, knowing that faith without works (action) is dead. The faith of the shepherds caused them to leave their shepherding, travel to the city and find the child Christ.

Our faith must likewise be in God, and in His Son, Jesus. That faith should move us to make decisions in accordance with our beliefs. Our confessions must be positive and in line with His word. Our faith should move us to pray, and our prayers must be filled with faith and hope, knowing that God hears and answers us. Our faith should provoke us to live an eternity-conscious life, which begins with accepting the Lord Jesus as Lord in our hearts.

Christ – The Author and Finisher of our Faith

There are many times that we will encounter situations that test our faith. Thankfully, Christ Himself is always right there to help us, strengthen us, and to perfect our faith. He is the originator of our faith, having exemplified faith when he walked the painful road to His crucifixion. He exemplified faith when He set His eyes on the glorious resurrection to come. And He is calling us to walk this road of faith alongside of Him. Faith makes us overcomers!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life. Perfect my faith and help me to unlearn the habits of doubt that I have accumulated over time. Grant me the grace to walk by faith, to believe in your word even in turbulent times. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Previous Devotional

Christmas Advent Devotional Day 16

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God bless you.

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