Advent Week 4: Trust in Him
- Lauren
- Dec 23, 2024
- 2 min read
“So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told to them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.”- Luke 2:17-19
Advent is a beautiful time of prayer and reflection as we wait for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Throughout this Advent season, we are invited to adore Him through devotion and conversation. Devotion to the Lord is also a sign of trust. From the very beginning of Jesus’ life, scripture reminds us to trust in the Lord always.
After the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field, and the shepherds witnessed “the heavenly host”, they went on to find the infant Jesus in Bethlehem (Lk 2:13). And, “when they saw this, [Jesus in the manger] they made known what had been told to them about this child . . .” (Lk 2:17). We learn from this passage that what was said to the shepherds could be trusted. God’s message to them via the angels was true. We can trust God and what He promises us.
Elizabeth said something very similar to her cousin, Mary when she learned of Mary’s pregnancy. Luke 1:45 says: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord”. In the Old Testament, we find many similar statements of trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 also tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.
Scripture continually invites and reminds us to trust in the Lord always. Ultimately, He knows what is best for us, and He has great plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). In the nativity story, we find more examples of trust in the Lord. Mary trusted that the Lord had her best interest at heart when she became pregnant with Jesus. Joseph trusted the Lord to take Mary as his wife, despite this son not being his biologically. The shepherds trusted the sign from God, via the angels, to seek out the infant Jesus in the manger.
Trust is everywhere in scripture. Trust is what we are ultimately called to. This Advent season, I invite you to continually place your trust in God’s plans for you. Even when things don’t make sense, even when things are difficult, trust that God is there and unchanging.
Scripture doesn’t say that trust is easy. It just reminds us to do so. Even when it’s hard, we are called to trust.
Another word for trust: faith.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
All scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible
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