Before we dive into this week's reflection, I want to invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey. My book, The Road to Bethlehem: An Advent Journey, is now available on Amazon and will be the guide we walk through together this season. If your heart feels tired, distracted, or longing for something more profound, this devotional will help you slow down, breathe again, and make room for Jesus anew. I would love for you to join us each week as we prepare our hearts for His coming.
The Road to Bethlehem Begins!
Advent feels a little like standing at the beginning of a long journey. The world around us is buzzing - lists, decorations, expectations, and the weight of trying to make everything "just right." But deep down, there's something inside us whispering that this season is supposed to mean more.
It's the same whisper that must have stirred the hearts of God's people long before Jesus came. Isaiah wrote, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us…" (Isaiah 9:6 NLT). They waited for centuries with nothing but a promise to hold on to. And strangely, that feels familiar to us. We've waited for things—answers, healing, restoration, clarity. Hope. And Advent reminds us that waiting is not empty.
Waiting is holy ground.
We start by walking through the first seven devotionals of The Road to Bethlehem. Each day gives us a simple truth to hold on to as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child, our Savior Jesus. Grab your Bible, journal and pen. A side note - if you purchase my book, I'll send you an online journal as a gift this season. Send a copy of your receipt to info@h2hcoaching.com.
I almost forgot to mention that I created a Spotify playlist, "The Road to Bethlehem, An Advent Journey," for the book. You can find it here.
It is time to get started! Here we go:
Anticipation - Isaiah 9:6 The promise that begins the journey
Anticipation is a quiet ache. It's waking up with a longing we can't quite name. Begin your journey not with answers, but with a promise. Isaiah tells us a child is coming, a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The One we need most is already on His way.
The hope that Christ brings isn't loud—it's steady. It tells us we're not forgotten. God is already moving towards us.
Savior - Luke 2:11 The One who came for us
Luke writes, "The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…" (Luke 2:11 NLT).
The word Savior sounds big and holy, but it's also deeply personal. Jesus didn't just come to save the world—He came to save you. Me. The tired mom who feels stretched thin. The wife who wonders if love can be restored. The midlife woman searching for purpose again.
Bethlehem is a reminder that God steps into ordinary places to bring extraordinary hope.
Reflect - Matthew 2:10 Joy that rises unexpectedly
When the wise men saw the star, "they were filled with joy!" (Matthew 2:10 NLT).
Joy doesn't always shout. Sometimes it shows up quietly—like a star in the distance. Reflection helps us to notice the small glimmers of God's goodness that we often miss in the rush.
We are carrying so much. Take a moment to pause and reflect, to breathe, and to remember that joy is still possible, and that God is still guiding us—even if the road has been challenging.
Surrender - John 1:14 Letting God move in close
John tells us, "The Word became human and made His home among us…" (John 1:14 NLT).
Surrender isn't about giving up—it's about making room. Jesus didn't come to stay distant. He came to dwell with us, right in the middle of our messes, our longings, our imperfections.
We may feel pressure to hold everything together during Advent. But surrender invites us to lay it all down and let God carry what we can't.
Everlasting - Micah 5:2 A hope older than our pain
Micah said the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem, whose origins are "from the distant past" (Micah 5:2 NLT).
This tells us something powerful: Jesus is not new to our story. He's not limited by time, circumstance, or mistakes. He's Everlasting.
When we are navigating marriage, family burdens, grief, or transition, that word Everlasting brings comfort. Our story might feel uncertain, but our Savior is not.
Glory - Luke 2:13-14 Heaven breaks in
Suddenly, heaven couldn't hold back its joy. The angels burst into the night sky, praising God:
"Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth…" (Luke 2:13–14 NLT).
Glory breaks in when God draws near. Not because life is perfect, but because He is present. We can be confident that His glory shines even in the tired places—especially there.
Dedication - Matthew 2:1-2 Responding to God's leading
"Now, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
The wise men didn't know every detail. They didn't have a map. They didn't even know exactly where they were going. But they knew enough: a King had come, and He was worthy of their worship.
Prayer
Lord, open our hearts as we enter this first week of Advent. Help us slow down long enough to hear Your voice. Teach us to anticipate the hope that is coming, to remember that our Savior is personal and loving, and to reflect so we can find joy again. Give us the courage to surrender what we've been carrying and rest in Your presence. Remind us that from everlasting to everlasting, our stories are safe in Your hands. Lift our eyes to Your glory so we can see You at work in our lives. And as we dedicate this week to You, guide our steps with purpose. Lord, move us from exhaustion to expectation—from trying to hold everything together to welcoming the One who holds everything. Amen.
Take a moment to listen to "Building Better Marriages" podcast — available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. While you're there, would you follow, like, and leave a review? It helps more couples discover the hope and encouragement their hearts are longing for
I'm honored to walk this journey with you.
Until next time, may His peace guard your heart and His presence guide your steps.
With grace,
Dr. Deborah
Founder, Heart to Heart Ministry
Strengthening Marriages. Restoring Hearts. Equipping Lives.
If you're ready to renew your mindset and restore the peace in your marriage, let's talk.
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