Following Jesus Through the First Christmas: 25 Days of Advent TruthsNäide

Elizabeth had spent years waiting for God to give her a baby. Decades of hope stretched thin by silence. And then, her miracle finally came.

When Mary arrived with news that she was carrying the Savior, that moment could’ve gone in so many directions:

Elizabeth could’ve compared her story to Mary’s and pulled back.

Mary could’ve stayed quiet, afraid of what Elizabeth might think.

They shared honestly instead. When they did, joy recognized joy. Faith recognized faith. Hope grew in the presence of another believer.

This moment shows us what the Church is meant to be — people whose faith stirs faith in one another. God never intended for us to follow Him alone.

We need people who listen when we’re weary, pray when we can’t find words, remind us what’s true when our hearts start to forget, and celebrate with us when God shows up.

If your hope feels thin today, reach out to someone who can help you remember who God is.

And if your heart is full, share your joy. Someone near you might need the reminder that God’s not done working in their life.

Hope grows when we share it with one another.

Pray:

God, thank You for the people who have carried me when I couldn’t see what You were doing. Help me open my life to others with honesty, joy, and faith. Use my words and presence to strengthen someone’s hope today. Amen.

Talk about it:

When was the last time you were honest about what God’s doing in your life—the good and the hard? Who could you invite into that conversation this week?

Worship:

Take a few minutes today to sit with this truth in song. Listen to Standing In Miracles by Bethel Music. Search for Following Jesus Through the First Christmas on Spotify by Biltmore Church for the full playlist.