Advent Devotions - Day 8

Luke 2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...

The Greek word for born in this passage means “to bring forth, bear, produce (fruit from the seed).” Yesterday’s devotion talked about the fruit of the Spirit born through you by the power of the Holy Spirit in you when you have accepted Christ as your Savior. When you think about birth, it takes months and months for the baby to develop in the womb. In that time, a mother sees changes in her own body – mentally, physically, emotionally -- a daily metamorphosis. It’s a time of preparation, and a time of waiting for that child to be born. 

It’s no different spiritually. It takes time, preparation, and waiting as you learn daily lessons which help you to grow and give birth to the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These traits won’t be perfected in you overnight, they will take a lifetime. So today, don’t beat yourself up because you aren’t perfect – you are a beautiful and wonderful work in progress. God adores you and watches with overflowing love in His heart as you seek to live for Him. He applauds your daily obedience, and is your biggest cheerleader. If you have sinned, confess it immediately (1 John 1:9), and get on with it!

Take a moment right now to look at the fruit of the Spirit listed, and think of a way that you could show one or two in your life this in the next few days. Kindness – let someone in front of you in line, or on the road. Love – hug someone unexpectedly. Joy – smile at someone. Faithfulness – call a friend. Gentleness – bite your tongue when you’re ready to say something uncalled for or sarcastic.

You can do this – take baby steps. These suggestions aren’t huge acts, they’re the little moments that build a lifetime of beauty and character in your life. It’s time…