12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Tuesday, December 11, 2018


"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told from the Lord." Luke 1:45 (NKJV) 

The advent book's question from kids to parents was, "ask your parents which name of Jesus is their favorite." My kids asked the question and started whispering "please say Immanuel, please say Immanuel." I had to think about it for a minute and I told them, "yes, I really like Immanuel." They smiled and moved on to the rest of the reading. 

The Christmas story was filled with assurance of the presence of God with us through Jesus. Today's verse reminds us that God does not fail. If He said something would happen, it does. 

God is responsible for the fulfillment of the promise. It is up to us to believe. Jesus' presence with us is marked with His very name. How lovely!

Jesus said He said He'd never leave or forsake us. I find comfort in knowing that God's presence is a constant in my life. 

This season of advent hasn't been easy. While I enjoy the wonder and the eager expectation through my children's eyes, I also think about the violence and decay of the society in my home country. 

I often wonder what God has to say about what's happening down there. What I know for sure is that Jesus is the only hope for my country and for the world. 

Jesus' birth happened in troubled times. He knows our sorrow, our pain and our cry for justice. I continue to rely on Him to be the hope, the answer for the world. 

I don't believe in sharing the world's burdens with little kids. I do believe in the innocence and freedom of childhood. I am so blessed to see that in my kids' lives right now. 

My hope is that one day, the kingdoms of this world will be the kingdom of our Lord. And He shall reign forever. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 

Let it be Lord. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come.