‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV — So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.‬‬

Mary probably didn’t think she was worthy to carry baby Jesus. Take a moment to think about the status of women during that time, yet she was chosen to be a vessel to carry out the prophecy. I imagine God saw fruit-bearing characteristics in Mary.

Did you know that before a fruit tree grows fruit, it grows flowers? Fruit trees also produce oxygen. Christ Jesus is like oxygen. We need Him in our lives to blossom. When you look in the mirror do you see fruit-bearing characteristics? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests making your own face mask. As we wash our faces today let’s be reminded that we are God’s children, worthy of His sacrificial cleanse and His call to bear fruit. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for being my Heavenly Father. Help me to be reminded that I am worthy and called to bear fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you tired? God wants us to soar but on whose strength? Isaiah says our hope is in the Lord, therefore it’s God’s strength and not our own. Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests a digital detox. Think about how much energy we use on our digital devices and/or our social media channels. 

Let’s set the intention for the day. We can start by choosing to engage with people, activities, and hobbies that will keep us in the present moment. Think about Mary and Joseph, who didn’t have digital devices. The Christmas season is busy but we must keep the reason for the season as our focus and not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for how far communication has come since the birth of Jesus. Help me put down my digital devices today. Help me to rely on Your strength and not grow weary with all the festivities. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Advent wreath consists of laurel, pine, holly, yew, and pine cones. It’s that time of year when we burn our holiday-scented candles. Can you start to imagine what a live Advent wreath would smell like? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests going on a nature walk. If you can get outside today, notice the trees and pine cones. Do they remind you of the season we are in? 

I wonder what it was like for Mary to be still in her situation. I am sure the anticipation was overwhelming. If you can’t get outside, I suggest burning or warming a holiday scent that reminds you of the Christmas season. Take that time to be still, surrendering your thoughts both mentally and emotionally. Really experience God’s mighty, yet gentle presence.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunities to be still and to experience Your presence. Thank You for the trees and all the holiday scents that remind me of Christmas. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV — For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm to you, plans to give you hope and a future.‬‬

Advent is four weeks of preparing for the coming of Jesus’ birth. It can be a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Do you participate in Advent, whether at church or on an activity calendar in your home? This year Deborah and I are trying something new. We are taking this time of the Advent Christmas season for self-care. We are following a book that suggests a different activity each day. Today’s suggested activity is using lavender and/or chamomile essential oils to create a calming space to breathe deeply and reflect.

In reading today’s verse, think about Mary and how she carried the hope of Jesus in her womb for nine months. I wonder if she understood that the baby she carried would prosper her and not only give her hope, but hope for all mankind. Imagine her times of solitude and reflection on her present situation and what was to come. Whatever our present situations are, I encourage us to seek God’s perfect will, knowing His plan is to prosper us and give us hope.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your plans to prosper me and give me hope. Help me to follow Your perfect will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Join us for See You Saturday by clicking the link and let’s talk, Food Reset.