Advent Day 23 - A Reason to Be Generous This Christmas

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent:
A 25-Day Devotional by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come”
Isaiah 61:2

Jesus came “to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” When Jesus returned to heaven, that work became ours to continue. We give our money and our time because we’re followers of Jesus. No matter our circumstances, we are blessed. Jesus blesses us so that we can bless others.

Favor is simply another way of describing God’s approval and delight. We receive God’s favor, not because of anything we’ve done, but because Jesus died for our sins and made us children of God. Because God established an eternal covenant with us through Jesus, the time of the Lord’s favor is now!

We may not have as much as someone else, but we have what we need to continue Jesus’ mission until He returns. Look for opportunities in the community to serve others. As we do, people start to see there’s something special about God’s people, and His goodness becomes known among the nations.

Reflect: Read Isaiah 61:1-9, Luke 4:18-21

What’s one way you can be generous to those in need?
What’s one way you can encourage someone who’s struggling this Christmas?
Is there anything that’s been lost that God might want to work through you to restore?
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Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for the anointing You placed on Your Son to preach good tidings to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Thank You that Christ came to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of Your vengeance. Thank You that Jesus is anointed to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. And He has anointed us as His followers to fulfill this Good News of His salvation until His return. Give us faithful hearts and Your strength to do Your will, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen