2020 Advent Devotional
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Give Until It Feels Good
Read I Samuel 1:19-28
Devotional by Barbara Yarbrough
One of the things foremost on our mind during the Advent season is giving and how Christmas brought us the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ. This passage from Samuel reminds us that when we give, we are able to do so only because everything we have is a blessing and gift from God.
Matthew 21:22 says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” But how often is that prayer request submitted on a conditional basis?” Have you ever prayed, “God, if you will please just give me this, I will do that”? How many of us actually make good on those promises made during prayer as Hannah did?
Hannah’s despair was understandable. She was barren and her husband’s other wife, who had given him children, was abusive towards Hannah. Hannah desperately wanted a son. And so, it was at the temple during the annual time of sacrifice that she prayed silently and fervently that God would grant her this one wish. And she then promised to give her son to the Lord if she were so blessed. She named her son Samuel which means, God has heard, or God listens. After Samuel was weaned, Hannah made good on her promise, taking Samuel to the priest Eli on the day of sacrifice, giving him to the service of the Lord.
This Advent season, we find ourselves living in unprecedented times when prayers so often come from places of despair. Let us remember that we can still be called to pray for our own relief, but we also have the opportunity to pray for others and to give back from the many blessings and gifts God has bestowed on us — so this year — give big, or give small. Perhaps your gift is simply a phone call or a card offering encouragement, or aid to the needy. And praying for family, friends, our country and the world is a gift rich in value. How can you share your gifts this year? You have probably heard the saying, “give until it hurts.” There is one I like much better – “give until it feels good.” Find a way to share God’s love and his blessings this Advent season.
Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for supplying our needs during difficult times. Help us remember the story of Hannah and how she gave her most precious gift to you. Help us find meaningful ways to respond when you challenge us to give back. Let us all glorify you by sharing our blessings with cheerful giving. AMEN.
Devotional by Barbara Yarbrough
One of the things foremost on our mind during the Advent season is giving and how Christmas brought us the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ. This passage from Samuel reminds us that when we give, we are able to do so only because everything we have is a blessing and gift from God.
Matthew 21:22 says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” But how often is that prayer request submitted on a conditional basis?” Have you ever prayed, “God, if you will please just give me this, I will do that”? How many of us actually make good on those promises made during prayer as Hannah did?
Hannah’s despair was understandable. She was barren and her husband’s other wife, who had given him children, was abusive towards Hannah. Hannah desperately wanted a son. And so, it was at the temple during the annual time of sacrifice that she prayed silently and fervently that God would grant her this one wish. And she then promised to give her son to the Lord if she were so blessed. She named her son Samuel which means, God has heard, or God listens. After Samuel was weaned, Hannah made good on her promise, taking Samuel to the priest Eli on the day of sacrifice, giving him to the service of the Lord.
This Advent season, we find ourselves living in unprecedented times when prayers so often come from places of despair. Let us remember that we can still be called to pray for our own relief, but we also have the opportunity to pray for others and to give back from the many blessings and gifts God has bestowed on us — so this year — give big, or give small. Perhaps your gift is simply a phone call or a card offering encouragement, or aid to the needy. And praying for family, friends, our country and the world is a gift rich in value. How can you share your gifts this year? You have probably heard the saying, “give until it hurts.” There is one I like much better – “give until it feels good.” Find a way to share God’s love and his blessings this Advent season.
Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for supplying our needs during difficult times. Help us remember the story of Hannah and how she gave her most precious gift to you. Help us find meaningful ways to respond when you challenge us to give back. Let us all glorify you by sharing our blessings with cheerful giving. AMEN.
First Presbyterian Church |
Contact Us
|
Affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbytery of Western North Carolina
Copyright © 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, N.C.