Waiting With Joy: An Advent Activity CalendarSample

December 3 — Visit A Friend

Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. (v. 45)

Mary must have smiled. Finally, after all the gossip and the whispering and the snide, disapproving looks, finally someone believed her. Elizabeth believed her, and believed in her. “Blessed are you among women,” cried Elizabeth, “and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” What a blessing it is when someone says, in effect: “I believe you. I believe God is in this. I’ll stand by you.”

Very often, something special happens when we visit someone or are visited. Think about it. Some form of healing takes place. A relationship is restored. A plan is hatched. A confidence is shared. A burden is lifted. Food is eaten. Prayers are spoken.

One of my vocational frustrations as a minister was that I had to spend so much time at a desk. So much of what I was expected to do took place at that big lump of lumber. The work had to be done, and it was my job to do it, but it was seldom my favorite part of the day. What I most enjoyed was visiting people. “How are you doing? Is the church meeting your needs? How might I best pray for you? Let’s see a photo of that new grandchild!” Imagine the transforming effect it could have on a church if we all visited one another now and then. Remarkable things have a way of happening when God’s people visit each other.

Today’s Activity: Visit someone, either in person or through a phone call, and build up your relationship.