As we venture through Advent, our 2023 Saint Luke Advent Devotional writers will guide us on a journey of love, hope, peace, and joy, illuminating the true meaning of the season. We will discover that the most significant longings of our hearts are not found in gift-wrapped boxes but are gifts from a loving God. These reflections will inspire and elevate your Advent experience as we reflect together on what we truly want this Christmas.

Michael LaBella is the author of today’s devotional. Michael joined Saint Luke Lutheran Church in 2023. He is a high school English teacher, and also enjoys songwriting, spending time in nature, and spending time with his beloved wife, who is his guiding light in faith.

Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

I am easily tempted in life to desire total control of my time, relationships, and responsibilities. With our busy and complicated lives, I believe this is a common feeling. Not only does this grasping often lead to disappointment, but it also lessens our capacity to trust in what God wants for us, and to welcome His grace into our lives.

For this Christmas season and beyond, I ask for the strength to relinquish the need for total control, and trust that God will guide me in imitating Jesus by loving and serving others in all the areas of my life.

Dear God, I put my full trust in You—guide me, and I will go where You want me to go and do whatever You ask of me. Thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus, as our perfect example of service and compassion. Amen.