Advent Conspiracy Daily Devotionals: Week 2

As we continue our Advent journey at Milford First, week two of our daily Advent devotionals from Advent Conspiracy invites us to reflect on what it means to spend less. In a season often marked by excess, we are called to shift our focus from material gifts to the priceless gift of Jesus’ love. These devotionals challenge us to approach Christmas with hearts aligned to God’s purpose, fostering a deeper sense of generosity and intentionality. Together, let’s discover the joy and freedom that come from giving thoughtfully and living out the true spirit of the season.

DAY 8

Sunday, December 8
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. – Matthew 1:22-25

This passage begins, “All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said…” All of what took place? Matthew 1 covers the genealogy of Jesus – how he was a descendant of Abraham and David, fulfilling the requirements to be the Messiah, both the blessing and the King of the world. The miraculous story of Mary becoming pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately what that meant for her upcoming marriage to Joseph, as we read yesterday.

But everything changed after the angel talked to Joseph in a dream.

He was told the baby was from God, that he should take Mary home as his wife, and here we learn they are to name the baby Jesus. Obedience would mean losing his righteous reputation by acting righteously. The whole story must have seemed crazy. We might ask the angel why he didn’t show up nine months sooner with this information. And yet…

Joseph obeyed with radical, countercultural obedience. Against cultural norms, he moved in with a young pregnant Mary (can you imagine the conversation with his family?) and later gave their son the name Jesus. And Jesus became known as Immanuel, God with us. These must have been difficult, crazy times. And yet…

All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet in Isaiah. It was an Advent Conspiracy that required an obedient Mary and Joseph. God asked Joseph to Worship Fully in radical, countercultural obedience.

Can God count on us to do the same?

Reflect

God knew what He was doing when He chose Joseph. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He chose you, too. And He knew what He was doing when He chose you as well. How might God want to use you in your world? In what way might He want you to Worship Fully in full obedience to Him? Joseph is a significant role model of a Godly man, husband, father, and friend. How can you apply his example in your own life?

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank you for choosing me. I don’t get it, but I’m thankful for it! I trust that your will is best, even when it seems countercultural. I desire to follow you even in difficult times. Help me to be bold when I want to shy away, to trust you when I’d rather trust my circumstances, and to be more concerned about pleasing you than those around me. In the name of King Jesus, I pray these things. Amen.

Devotional writer: Dan C. (Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA)

Day 9

Monday, December 9
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

One of the most enjoyable, and challenging, tasks for expectant parents is that of choosing the name of their new baby. My wife and I spent countless hours pouring through books of baby names searching for just the right one. We went through many dozens of choices before choosing, how much easier if we had enjoyed the benefit of a thousands-of-years old prophecy to relieve us of the decision!

God’s wonderful plan of salvation was to be found in the birth of a miraculous child. If we were in any doubt as to this, the very words “the virgin will conceive” reminds us. God intervenes in human history in the most wonderful and unexpected of ways. The birth of any child is a miracle; the birth of Jesus, to a young virgin in the otherwise unremarkable place of Bethlehem draws our attention to how God works wonders and miracles as He loves the world back to Himself.

The wonder does not stop with the incredible nature of the birth but continues as the prophet reveals the name of the child to be born: Immanuel, God with us. Names matter a great deal in Scripture as they tell us something about the person. Here we find a beautiful truth revealed: the God of creation who spoke all things into existence is a God who wants to be with His people. In the birth of Jesus, God makes His dwelling place amongst us and, as Eugene Peterson says, “moves into the neighborhood.”

What an incredible thing this is: Our God cares about us so much that He comes to live amongst us, becoming fully human as He works His rescue and restoration plan into completion. Immanuel, God with us, reminds us that we have a God who is involved in every aspect of our lives, a God who cares for us, a God who is compassionate towards us and passionate about us.

What a wonderful name it is, and what a wonderful truth that it reveals.

Reflect

Do you feel like you are close or distant to God these days? Why is that? How might the four tenets of Advent Conspiracy help you to find a closer connection to God in your life this Advent?

Pray

Jesus, We thank you for the truth that you are Immanuel, that you care for us and seek to be known by us. As I journey through Advent, help me to open myself up to you and be drawn deeper into your life-giving presence. Through my life and actions, may others be made more aware of you. I pray that this season would be full of worship as we rejoice in the time where you came to make your dwelling place with us. Amen.

Devotional writer: Simon E. (Hastings, England)

Day 10

Tuesday, December 10
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” – Luke 1:39-45

We should all have a relative or friend that we can go to in trying times. More than that, as God’s chosen, we should want to be that relative or friend for others. Elizabeth was that to Mary. Mary had an encounter with the Holy Spirit that an angel told her about. It changed everything for her future and the future of the world and Mary needed to tell someone.

Elizabeth was an older relative of Mary’s. But wasn’t Elizabeth’s age that qualified her and it wasn’t that she was related to Mary that qualified her. It wasn’t even her circumstances, or her life’s experience that qualified her to hear of Mary’s special news. It was the special anointing that God placed in Elizabeth, for His own purpose, to make way for the Savior.

Elizabeth had a purpose.

Mary was carrying a baby that had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary was carrying Jesus in her womb. Mary needed to hear, see, and experience life with Elizabeth. Elizabeth was someone who had a visible sign that the Lord was with her, and that she had His favor on her life. Who do you have in your life with a visible sign that the Lord is with them?

Mary trusted the angel and knew that Elizabeth would keep her secret, and cherish it, for as long as needed. Elizabeth could not understand that Mary trusted her with this genuinely unique secret, so she stated:

“But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Simply, because God chose her.

Reflect

Just like Elizabeth, God wants to use each of his followers, for His purpose. What is God calling you to in this season? When you get surprisingly good news, do you have a trusted Christian friend to go to, like Mary and Elizabeth’s relationship? If you don’t start praying for God to bring these kinds of friendships into your life.

Pray

Dear Jesus, I want to my life to be used by you, for your purpose. Regardless of my circumstances, help me to go beyond myself, so that you can use me to prepare the way for your will to be done. I also pray for relationships in my life to be strengthened – like Elizabeth and Mary – I want strong, Christian friendships that can encourage me and keep me on your righteous path. Amen.

Devotional writer: Rhonda B. (Alpharetta, Georgia, USA)

Day 11

Wednesday, December 11
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. – Luke 1:46-56

This song is known by many as the Magnificat, which is a Latin word meaning, “to magnify.” Mary’s Magnificat is a strong message from an even stronger young woman.

When Mary said yes to God’s invitation to become an integral part of the world’s redemption, her life became much more difficult. Even as Mary rightly foresees that “all generations will call me blessed,” justifying an out of wedlock pregnancy to her husband-to-be and to her family would be no small task. In Mary’s world, at this time women were regarded more as property to be controlled, than as people with God-ordained agency. The life Mary offered in humble service to God was on the line with those she loved the most.

Gabriel’s call, however, touched something deep within Mary, igniting a fire in her bones that would not be quenched by the disapproving judgment of people in town. This young woman grasped that God’s salvation was more than a private possession. The redemption which will soon emerge from her womb will turn the power structures of this world on its head. The mighty will be brought low. The lowly will be lifted up. The proud will be scattered and those on the margins will find the favor of our God.

It’s easy to look at the world and those in power and believe that the way things always have been is the way they always will be. But Advent offers the opportunity we need to join Mary in proclaiming that salvation brings a new future. It extends beyond our personal lives to impact the world around us. Jesus brings a upside down Kingdom to reign. How and where might we begin to join this work

Let the four tenets of Advent Conspiracy be our guide – let the way we worship be overflowing, help us to spend wisely and support causes that truly matter, may we give intentionally and relationally, and the way we love and serve others be a true reflection of Christ.

Reflect

Like Mary, how can you magnify the Lord today? In what ways can you intentionally get to know the stories of your neighbors and outsiders in your city? How can knowing these stories help you to better love and serve them during Advent?

Pray

My soul magnifies you, O Lord. You are the only one who can bring lasting freedom and peace into our broken world. Help me understand how your salvation is needed in the recesses of my soul and in the recesses of my city. I am your servant, use me in accordance with your will. Help me to express your love boldly to all the people I encounter today. Amen.

Devotional writer: Tim H. (Roanoke, Virginia, USA)

Day 12

Thursday, December 12
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. – Luke 1:68-69

In this passage, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesies the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. His words are a song of praise, recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. The phrase “horn of salvation” is symbolic of strength and victory. In ancient times, a horn represented power and authority, and here it signifies the strong Savior who would redeem His people.

Zechariah’s proclamation is both a declaration of joy and a reminder of the faithfulness of God. For generations, Israel had awaited the coming of a Savior, and now that hope was being fulfilled in Jesus Christ. God had not forgotten His people, and in His perfect timing, He intervened in human history to bring salvation and restoration.

As we reflect on this during Advent, we remember that the same God who fulfilled His promises to Israel is still faithful today. In the midst of our struggles and waiting, we can trust that God is at work. Just as He sent Jesus to redeem His people, He continues to reach out to us, offering salvation, peace, and hope.

Reflect

What are you waiting for in this season of your life? How does the promise of God’s faithfulness encourage you as you wait? Consider where you need the ‘horn of salvation’—Jesus’ strength and redemption—today. How can you make room in your life for God to work, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Jesus, the strong and faithful Savior. In this season of Advent, help me to trust in your promises and to rest in your faithfulness. Teach me to wait with hope, knowing that you are always at work, even when I can’t see it. May your salvation be my strength today. Amen.

Devotional writer: Andrea F. (Cali, Colombia)

Day 13

Friday, December 13
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:1-5

These five verses set the stage for the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were leaving Nazareth and going to Bethlehem. Why? Caesar had ordered a census that required citizens to go to their hometown to register. Since Joseph was from King David’s family, Bethlehem was his ancestral home town.

What do these five verses not tell us? As a woman at this time in history, Mary would not be counted in the census, so why was she traveling with Joseph this late in pregnancy? Was Joseph trying to get Mary away from the town gossips in Nazareth? Were Mary and Joseph moving to Bethlehem permanently? (We know from Matthew’s gospel that the family was still in Bethlehem when the magi visited, perhaps as much as two years after the birth). Were Mary and Joseph scared?

Throughout her pregnancy and especially as she grew closer to giving birth, Mary likely thought that her mother and other women in her family would be with her at the birth of her child. This trip to Bethlehem removed that option. Have you ever had your plans upset by the decisions of someone else, decisions that you could not ignore? How did you experience God during that time? Did you blame Him or turn to Him for guidance? It’s an amazing thing to think about the circumstances surrounding King Jesus’ birth and the humble, lowly way He entered into our world. He didn’t do it surrounded by a crowd of people or in a palace, He came quietly into an unassuming town called Bethlehem.

Reflect

Our ancestors help shape and define us. Joseph came from the line of King David – When you think about your family heritage what comes to mind? Do you have a strong legacy of faith or are you starting new traditions? What does it mean for you to be a part of the family of God?

Pray

King Jesus, Regardless of our family lineage, help us to remember that we are children of God. Even when circumstances are dictated by others or when my plans are changed, help me to remember that you are with me, Immanuel, and at work in all circumstances to bring glory and honor to God. Draw near to me this Advent. Amen.

Devotional writer: Mary Frances T. (Greenwood, South Carolina, USA)

Day 14

Saturday, December 14
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:6-7

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, the big announcement of Jesus being born into the world. How does the gospel of Luke describe it? A couple of sentences, very few details. From the very beginning, God has made it clear Jesus would be a different kind of King. No parades and trumpets sounding, no big celebration happening in the palace for all to hear. The birth of the King that changed the world was nothing like we expected.

Jesus chose to enter into our broken world in the most humble and vulnerable way – by being born into a family that was on the outside, often overlooked and judged. The good news is that the King of Kings is not sitting in a throne in a palace far away…He is in a manger, surrounded by the dirt, grime, and messiness of the world. God came to redeem the whole world, including those of us who sometimes feel like there’s not room for us in the Kingdom of God.

“…because there was no guest room available for them.”

On this most important night, no one made room for Mary, an expectant mother, all they saw were her circumstances but that didn’t stop God’s plan from moving forward. As the people of God it’s up to us to open doors and create space for the downtrodden and overlooked. To see people as image bearers and make sure they know they too are invited into the Kingdom of God.

Reflect

As you Give More and Love All this Advent, how can you make an intentional effort to really notice and see the people you’re in community with? Is there someone in your life that you need to share the good news of the gospel with?

Pray

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see the realities of the world around me, the brokenness and the beauty. I pray that this Advent season my heart would overflow with worship and gratitude as I find ways to serve others in my neighborhood, church, and city. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional writer: Anne (St. Louis, Missouri, USA)

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Advent Conspiracy Daily Devotionals: Week 1