This devotional is Day 19 of the 25-Day Advent Series “The Wonders of His Love.” Follow along with us as we grow in grace through the Christmas story by subscribing or bookmarking the home page above!
Scripture: John 14:1-6
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A familiar Christmas song, whose repetitive lyrics go like this, “O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy” reminds us that the birth of our Savior, born in a manger should bring you just that – comfort and joy.
But if we fast forward to the days leading up to that same Savior’s death, Jesus in John 14 shares additional words of comfort to His disciples.
The disciples did not know what was going to take place in the days ahead, and Jesus knowing their troubled hearts, tells them: “Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.”
Christ is saying: find comfort in Me. If you trust in God, then trust Me also (for They are One). Everything that is going to take place is perfectly orchestrated.
In trusting Him we trust in a God who has full control, full authority of the days ahead. Do not let fear, anxiety, and distress be caught up inside of you, but keep on trusting Him just as you have been.
The Comfort of Heaven
Jesus then tells His disciples a reassuring promise in verses 2 and 3, that “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Why is this promise reassuring for us as well as to the disciples? First off Jesus refers to heaven as His own Father’s house.
This reminds me of spending the holidays, back at home with our parents, and sharing a holiday meal with our loved ones. When we visit our parents’ home we find rest, comfort, and warm memories.
In the same way, we are comforted that heaven will be a familiar place for us, a place of peace and joy.
Jesus offers us hope that this home has many rooms. He isn’t referring to physical rooms in a mansion, but He is telling us there is a reserved place for each one of us.
His arms will be wide open ready to receive us, and there is a seat at the table for you if you believe in Him.
The Comfort of Unity
We can take comfort that He has chosen us to be with Him eternally.
During the last few days prior to Jesus speaking such words, the disciples were made aware that the man they once left everything for and followed is now leaving them for a little while. But Jesus once again provides comfort to them, saying “I will come again and take you to myself.”
Our comfort is knowing that we will be spending our days with the Lord himself, as our dearest friend, and fellowship and worship Him in His Father’s home, as our God.
The Comfort of Salvation
In the same passage one of His disciples, Thomas, asks the Lord “how can we know the way?” and Jesus profoundly responds back “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus is the only Way to approach the Father; there is no other way to enter into His kingdom. He is the path, the road to salvation.
Jesus is the Truth, He has fulfilled all the prophesies spoken about Him, from His birth to death. He is the salvation that man was searching for. There is no other way to heaven except by receiving and embracing this truth. And He is yet to fulfill another truth, that He is coming back again for us.
And to those who have found Him, He is the life. The Bible promises us, he that believeth in the Son has everlasting life (John 3:16). And because He lives, we live.
The words Jesus spoke in John 14 were used to comfort His disciples in a dark period of time, but it is also directed to us today. This Scripture agrees with reality – in this world you will have trouble, BUT He will bring you peace. Jesus has overcome the world.
Questions for the Heart:
- Are you trusting God fully, for the problems you are facing?
- Is your heart troubled or distressed about future things to come?
- Have you accepted that He is the only way, only truth, and life?
May this Christmastime bring you comfort, joy, and peace as you trust in Him, rest upon His reassuring promises, and have hope for His glorious return.
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About the Author
Sue Chacko is a wife of 10 years, a mom of three, and has her doctorate degree in pharmacy
She writes in her spare time. She loves to encourage Christian women, wives, and moms to find joy, and strength in marriage, motherhood, and everyday life by seeking God.
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