The year 2020 has been...a bit much. I'd venture to guess that most of us are weary and honestly, still trying to figure out what just happened.
But there's always Good News: Jesus Christ is King, and no matter what each year brings, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
And this year, even this year, the beautiful season of Advent is still coming. Jesus still saves the world.
Softening Our Hearts
Many of our hearts have become calloused this year. Perhaps we've grown more cynical, hardening our hearts toward one another and, maybe, to the Lord. But He is the only One who can preserve, defend, and redeem us.
But as grace is a gift, it must be received. And this Advent, we are invited to accept His grace, allow it to penetrate our souls, and soften our hearts.
A Greater Reliance
One fruit of this softening of our hearts is a greater reliance upon Jesus.
Perhaps you're nearing the end of this year burnt out from making decisions, from wearing so many hats, from trying to safeguard yourself and those you love. Perhaps you've spent this year striving to save yourself and the whole world. You're not alone.
Of course, we know that we cannot save ourselves. And that's why we're baking in burnout if we've tried. Only Jesus can save us. And while we know that Truth, sometimes our hearts forget.
This Advent, be reminded that Jesus is the Savior.
The 2020 Advent Devotional // Maranatha
As we all venture toward living fully in the truth that Jesus is the only One Who can rescue us, we'd love to pray with you. This year, the Blessed is She Advent Devotional seeks to provide us with such encouragement and guidance.
Maranatha: The Story of Our Savior is all about learning how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies and our pursuit of telling the world about this Savior.
If you've ever doubted Who Jesus is or what He is capable of accomplishing on earth, this devotional is for you.
If you've ever wondered how the Old and New Testaments are connected, this devotional is for you.
If you're longing for space to contemplate God and speak to Him as a friend, this devotional is for you.
The Story of Our Savior
Through Advent, we will be reflecting on:
- Jesus' Incarnation and Jesus as the Messiah
- Jesus’ ministry and Jesus as the Shepherd
- The Cross and Jesus as Healer
- The call of evangelization and Jesus as the Way
We know that every new thing learned about God is another reason to love Him. We're so excited to learn more about Him and love Him more alongside you.
How to Use the Advent Devotional
Each week, we will dive into Scripture. We will be given space to pray about how Jesus is the Savior of the world, and the Savior of each of us, personally.
You can pray through the Advent Journal on your own, with a buddy, or with a small group.
Our First Ever Kids' Advent Companion Devotional
In addition to this year's Advent devotional, we are thrilled to offer our first ever companion devotional for kids! If your children, nieces or nephews, godchildren, or students are eager to pray by your side, snag a companion devotional for them.
I am so excited about this devotional, and I know my kids will love spending our morning prayer time discussing similar passages and thoughts about Jesus.
If you want to pick up a devotional for you and some for kids, you can snag them in a bundle here.
The Advent Bundle
Finally, if you want some additional prayer tools to accompany your Advent devotional, check out this year's Advent bundle. Along with the book, you'll receive an exclusive Rosary bracelet and ceramic candle. Personally, I love lighting a candle for my prayer time, and I cannot wait to use this one to help keep me focused on what matters most.
This Advent, and forevermore, will you let Him be your Savior? Will you be praying through Maranatha with our Blessed is She community?
Advent is Still Coming, Jesus is Still the Savior #BISblog //Click to tweet
Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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