Advent Devotions – December 13

Luke 2:12 “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

A sign – the Greek word used is “semeion” and it also means mark – that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known. The signs of Christmas are all around –houses and lawns decorated with brightly colored lights, a pine tree filled with ornaments, special events at schools and houses of worship, parties, and of course, the endless commercials vying for your attention and dollars! Subtle holiday hints? Not so much!

Often the most beautiful houses are adorned only with small white candles in each window, a green wreath decorated with a solitary red bow, or a simple manger scene on the mantle. These quieter remembrances of Christmas are classic, proclaiming the season in a rich and striking manner.

What mark are you making today for Christmas? Is your life a sign which points to the Savior? Don’t get so tangled up in the tinsel that your sign to the world is just that of another harried and hassled, gift-toting Christmas casualty. Purpose yourself this day to allow the Christ-child to mark your walk/talk as “that by which you are distinguished from others”. Be known as a Christ-follower this Christmas – make your mark for Him.