Family Advent Devotional

Advent is a time to reflect upon the coming of the Christ-child into our world. We open our Bibles and immerse ourselves in the narrative of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, the wise men, and most of all, the Promised One.

Our hearts fill with thankfulness for the gift of “God among us.” We celebrate with friends and family as we light candles, read scripture passages, share communion, and sing carols. But how does this moment—one of most powerful in all of history—the birth of Jesus, affect our evangelism and our call to be good news bearers in a broken and hurting world? Do we really see Advent as a time when we not only lean into God’s promise of salvation, but also embrace opportunities to share the greatest news on earth with those far from God?

The Apostles Peter and John once said, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Imagine what the shepherds, the wise men, and others shared when they too “saw” and "heard.” Imagine now what we must share as we “see” and “hear” all the goodness and glories of Jesus Christ born to rescue a world from sin.

Where the Light Shines Brightest is a 25-day devotional intended to help all of us begin to imagine how this Advent season, and our own personal reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, can inform, and even transform, our desire and passion to show and share this good news with a broken and hurting world. Each daily devotional includes a short reflection on the birth of Christ and a prayer for applying this revelation to our gospel witness in the world today.

Our prayer is that as you are filled up with the wonders of Advent, you would go out and be a light that will shine brighter than any other.

Dr. Ed Stetzer, Executive Director
Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, Wheaton College