by Desiree Bustamante

The world needs the hope of Christ’s birth.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Oh, that you would burst forth from the skies and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! The consuming fire of your glory would burn down the forests and boil the oceans dry. The nations would tremble before you; then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! So it was before when you came down, for you did awesome things beyond our highest expectations, and how the mountains quaked!”
Isaiah 64:1-3 The Living Bible

Advent is a season of waiting. Waiting for the birth of Jesus. Many don’t believe this, so the true meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed or forgotten. The good news once passed down through families to their children is lost among the wrapping paper, relegated as a sweet but unrealistic story that’s impossible to believe without some proof. If only Mary had the ability to take a selfie or record a vlog!

For many, this season of preparation for Christmas is only about sparkly lights and over-priced gifts—a ribbon-wrapped box containing nothing of real value. There’s glitter everywhere, and the aftermath of the billions spent on decorations, food and presents is felt in depression or financial problems. Jesus’ birth is swept away with the used wrapping paper or stashed in the attic with the inherited nativity scene.

But we who celebrate Christ have real hope. We know our Savior burst from the skies, accomplishing unimaginable works on earth. We know He died for us, conquering Satan, sin and death. We believe He will return to take us to our forever home with Him. Christmas for us is not an empty box. We don’t need to send an Amber Alert to find Him—He lives in our hearts every moment. The consuming fire of His glory resides in our souls. He is our Hope!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado