Advent Devotions – December 3rd

Luke 2:1: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

Caesar wanted a headcount of everyone in the entire Roman world. He wanted a “count”. The noun can mean a sum, a tally, a reckoning. But used as a verb, count can mean to matter, to be important, significant, to make a difference. Here we are, counting the days to Christmas, crossing the days off on our calendars as they fly by. You’re probably counting up Christmas presents on your list, and counting the cost as you spend money on those gifts, the decorations, the additional cost of postage since you may be doing unexpected shipping of those gifts instead of giving them face-to-face.  And you probably still are counting the cost of extra food for the holiday meal, and hopefully at least a few guests over!

These days, it’s easy to also feel invisible or “not counted” as you stay home more frequently, not venturing out to do traditional holiday shopping and activities with family and friends.  You may feel sad and lonely.  But know that you count more than you can imagine to God.  He watches over you moment-by-moment, seeking to wrap you in His love, comfort and peace in spite of the pandemic!  Each day matters, even if you feel like you’re engulfed in a dark hopelessness with no end in sight.  You can count on God to get you through – His plans will never fail you, even when life makes no sense right now.  Wait.  Trust.

Joshua 1:9 tells us, “God is with you – wherever you may go and no matter what life brings.”

What can be done to make this Christmas “count” for Christ? How can we centralize the story of our Savior’s birth into the 2020 holiday madness and rush? Take a moment today to count your blessings, and to realize how much you count to Christ!