Advent Devotions – December 7th

 Luke 2:5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

So there was Mary, committed to her beloved Joseph, waiting on the birth of her first child, and facing a long and arduous journey to a foreign city. I am sure there were days she was tired, soul-weary, close to tears, and unsure of exactly what the future would hold. Mary… you found your hope and strength each day in the Lord, and His promises.

We also need to look to the Lord when we are facing our demanding and difficult days. In the midst of everything, quietly pause and remember that you carry the Holy Spirit inside you – given to you by the Lord until Christ returns. The fruit of that Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How precious are these gifts? Practice giving them away in the days to come.