The Depth of God's Gift

Advent Devotional by Jill Bauerle
Art by Marcia Bauerle

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son that whoever believeth in Him

shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

—John 3:16—

It’s Christmas time and we are preparing for the birth of Jesus. Why would I choose a verse we so often associate with The Resurrection? It’s actually quite simple—how can we appreciate the birth of Jesus, His humble beginnings, His life, and the purpose of God’s plan, if we don’t acknowledge the depth of God’s gift?
From the time I was a young girl attending church camps, Bible school, and Sunday school, I learned and sang the words from John 3:16, and I believed them. I believe in Him, and I know that eternal life is mine. It’s that simple! What I truly did not understand was the first part of the verse, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” What does ‘so loved’ mean? That part seems simple enough—at least I thought so when I was young—but experience has taught me that it is much more than I can humanly comprehend.
I remember vividly the moment my mind and heart wrapped around the depth of God’s gift. I was changing my newborn Anna’s diaper, and my own mother peeked over my shoulder and whispered, “Now you know how much I love you.” WOW, did those words impact me. (Yes, my eyes watered.) Maybe it’s because Anna was a near-Christmas baby, or maybe God decided it was time for me to ‘get it,’ but my thoughts jumped right to John 3:16. If I can love my baby this much and want to protect her from all hurt, how can I fathom the gift of Jesus? The love our Father has for each one of us is beyond human understanding. But, I do have faith, and I can humbly pray, “Thank you, God, for the Gift of Jesus.”

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of baby Jesus, for the opportunity to celebrate His birth, and for Your love. We ask for Your guidance to find peace in the busyness of life. We pray for those who believe and for those who still seek You. With meaningful celebration, help us focus on the depth of Your gift. Amen

Growing Up

Advent Devotional by Rachelle Richman

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when

he is old (grown) he will not turn from it.”

—Proverbs 22:6—

How many times in your adult life have you thought “Mom did know what she was talking about after all?” As parents, we are learning that it’s not as easy as we thought it would be. Giving our children rules, not letting them do what they want to do, and being disciplinarians is a tough job! We sometimes are so busy making/enforcing rules that we forget important things our children need just as much. Encouraging our children, praising them for their strengths despite their weaknesses, and enjoying their differences will help them become confident adults.
Today our children are plugged in to so many things, it becomes difficult to fit in 20 minutes of family time. Tonight, I challenge you to turn off the TV, iPod, music, computer, etc., and have a family night. It’s amazing how much you can get in tune with your kids in 20 minutes! Give our children a gift that lasts a lifetime . . . our unconditional love.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for my parents. Thank you for the life lessons they have taught me. Please help me be a great parent to my children. Amen

A Newborn Miracle

Advent Devotional by Barb Hill

“Children are a gift from God: they are His reward.”

—Psalm 127:3 (The Living Bible)—

Thirty-seven years ago today my life was changed forever. That was the day our first child, Lori was born. I remember looking at this beautiful newborn, her tiny head covered with a little bit of soft white hair. I counted her fingers and toes and marveled about what a special miracle I had received from God. This was especially true as I considered everything that has to be just right for a life to be created. I said a prayer thanking God for our precious new baby girl. Along with the joy came the realization that this child was a gift from God and one for which God had made me responsible.
Not only did I have to take care of her physical needs and mental needs but I was also responsible for her spiritual needs. It was mind boggling that God was trusting me to do all these things for this tiny helpless child. It was then that I realized that God would provide the help and support I needed as she grew.
Lori is now an adult who is raising her own two little miracles to serve God. To me it was very special that she was born during the Christmas season. I have often reflected on the feelings that Mary must have had that very first Christmas so long ago.

Prayer:
Dear God, help us to remember that each life is a special gift from You. And that each one of us is precious in Your sight. Thank you for giving us the ability to share Your love with others. Amen