Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Twenty-Five: Jesus is Our Greatest Gift of Hope
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
The day we’ve been waiting for is finally here! Christmas is a reminder of God’s great love for us. Not only did Jesus enter into a broken world to experience all the pain and suffering we live through, He carried out the ultimate act of love by dying on the Cross for our sins. While Jesus knew all along He would make this sacrifice, He was born as a human baby. He was wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger (feeding trough). This is what we are celebrating today! Jesus is our greatest gift. He is our gift of hope!
As you celebrate that miracle today, think about the words of “Silent Night,” which describe the birth of hope into the world. This Holy infant so tender and mild is our Savior, Jesus, our greatest gift of hope.
“Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth”
Today is the perfect day to reflect on God’s love and the gift of Jesus as the greatest hope for the world. Because of this gift, we get to be close to God forever when we choose to follow Him. That is the greatest gift, and it’s worth celebrating!
Questions:
1. Personalize today’s verse by writing your name in the blank: “For God so loved _________, that he gave his only Son, that _________ should not perish but have eternal life.”
2. Spend two minutes in prayer. Thank God for the gift of Jesus that we celebrate today, the gift of hope He gives us, and the gift of being with God forever.