SACRED HOLIDAYS: A DEVOTIONAL LEADING UP TO CHRISTMASExemplo

DAY FOUR

A dear friend of mine had to face losing her home to fire. So much is gone. For these friends it has been one thing after another—years of infertility with three babies lost, and now this too. Some things just don't seem fair. Yet even in losing their home and so many of the things in it, their faith hasn't been shaken. They can't even explain how they are okay with all that is happening, but they are okay.

Friend, this can only happen when we take our eyes off of what is happening around us (or not happening) and set our gaze on the One we are waiting for this Christmas—Jesus.

Read all of Psalm 27 and John 8:12, out loud if possible, and note anything that is said of the Lord.

He doesn't just provide the light; He is the Light. He provides salvation and light of life for each of us!

> Light your third candle.

John 8:12 tell us that we have a part to play when it comes to moving out of darkness and into the light. We have to follow Jesus. And following Jesus isn’t easy; in fact, it often feels incredibly challenging. 

If you want to follow someone, what do you do? You focus on them and do whatever they show you. You listen intently to whatever they say. You don't take your eyes off of them. It involves a lot of trust and even more effort. It won't “just happen.”

 

One of my favorite Olympic events is synchronized diving. I have no clue how they do it. First, how do they stay in sync like that while they are jumping, twisting, flipping, turning, arching, and then crashing into the water?

Obviously those Olympians didn't take up diving the week of the Olympics. It took years and years of practice and meets, lots of failures, and plenty of injuries, but they never quit. They put on that suit and practiced again and again… and again. The mundane, routine, boring, and insignificant led them to that board with all the world watching. All of that, and then there is a partner to consider. They had to work with their partner and learn their partner even better than they know themselves. There is a unity off the board long before they step onto the board. Distractions must become obsolete and the goal of unity preeminent.

What often distracts your gaze from Jesus and walking with Him?

 

When we choose to follow Him (not others, and not our own ways) is when we invite light into our lives. The darkness dissipates as we enter into the light. The same happens as we only slowly notice the difference in light now that we have three candles lit instead of just two. Slowly, but surely, things are getting lighter as we focus more and more on the One who is coming!

Remember my friends whose house caught on fire? They keep sharing one unbelievable story of God's provision after another. Their gaze isn't on what is covered in literal ashes, it's on the God that had them out of the house that night—their two little miracle boys are safe! They aren't faking a bubbly joy. They aren't pretending all is awesome, because it's not. However, when they focus on all God has done and is doing, there is so much peace and light amidst very dark situation.

Life from death. Beauty from ashes.

Read Psalm 27:8 one more time and make it your prayer back to God, committing to seek His face, the true Light.