Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year Advent-Christmas Devotional - 2017 - single page | Page 10

Preparations!
Thursday, December 7th
Psalm 32:1-2
Advent season means preparation! Christmas is in eighteen days. Will I finish my Christmas to-do list? As
much as the world flaunts the joy of Christmas, in reality, this is one of the most stressful times of the year.
Because of that stress, many people, Christians included, search for peace. The Holy Spirit’s words
through King David in Psalm 32 assist us in our peace. Much of the stress of preparing for Christmas
involves seeing family – the brother in law who always gets on my nerves; my parent who constantly
criticizes; my child who doesn’t seem to care if he comes or doesn’t come. The stress also occurs over
those we won’t see this Christmas – my loved one who passed away, and I never apologized to them!
Christmas joy can easily ruin itself over Christmas regrets – the “woulda, coulda, shoulda’s” of our life. “If
only I would have held my tongue …” “I could have stopped this if …” “I should have spoken up sooner!”
The Holy Spirit reminds us of the blessings that belong to us because we have a God who forgives. We are
blessed; joy is ours because of the forgiveness our God offers through Jesus.
King David knew a little about forgiveness. He knew the joy of hearing the words “The LORD has taken
away your sin!” His transgressions were forgiven. His sins were covered. Why? Because the LORD did not
count his sin against him. Forgiveness is not something that originates with us. Forgiveness is not
something that originates with the other person. Forgiveness originates, and is completed with the LORD.
The blood of Jesus, poured out as our guilt offering on the cross, is what paid the full price for every sin,
ours included.
Do you have Christmas regrets? Take them first to the cross of Jesus. Hear the words that the LORD spoke
to David through his pastor, Nathan – “The LORD has taken away your sin.” With forgiveness in hand, go
into this Christmas season confident and joyful. Celebrate the Savior who came into the world with you in
mind. The baby Jesus who looks up from the manger is looking at you. He entered this sin-filled world with
your name carved into his hand. He wants you to be blessed, joyful, and have peace!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have regrets for things I have done and failed to do. Give me your peace this
Christmas, and remind me that forgiveness comes from you. Amen.
Activity: Share memories of Christmas, good and bad. Remind each other of the love and forgiveness
Jesus came to bring.
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