On our last day looking at devotion, Advent is a reminder that patience and faithfulness matter in God’s kingdom. God Himself is faithful to us: Heb 10:23 says, ‘he who promised is faithful.’ The faithfulness of God is seen at Christmas-time: God had promised a Deliverer, a Redeemer, from the fall of man (Gen 3:15), and in due time, He sent His Son ‘born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.’ (Gal 4:4-5)
Because God is faithful to us, He calls us to be faithful and devoted to Him. The Christmas story is full of people whose devotion to God is seen outworked in practical ways: Joseph and Mary’s obedience, Simeon and Anna’s faithfulness in attending the synagogue, the shepherds hurrying to see what the angels promised, the Magi travelling long distances to bring gifts to the new-born king.
How can we show our devotion to God? It might be giving food and toys to the Salvation Army foodbank. It might be spending time with a friend or someone who is lonely. It might be coming to church even if you don’t particularly feel like it! Devotion has many different forms, but God sees them all.