DAY 1 | Whatever It Takes
A 12-Day Advent Journey to Draw Near to Jesus — The Gift of Renewal and Stillness.
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Day 1 of Meet Him at the Manger—a sacred invitation to slow down and draw near to Jesus. Today, Jill Briscoe reminds us that renewal begins when we stop long enough to listen.
Jesus once said to the Father, “Whatever it takes.” What if we whispered the same words back to Him this Christmas?
Whatever it takes, Lord—slow me down. Renew my heart. Restore my joy.
Let’s take our first step toward Bethlehem together, trusting that He meets us not in the frenzy, but in the stillness.
With love ❤️
Your JBU Sisters in Christ
Our Sponsor — The Jesus Bible
✨ As you read today’s reflection, quiet your heart and let His invitation settle deep—He’s waiting to meet you here.
Whatever It Takes
By: Jill Briscoe
It was the Christmas season, and I was thinking about all the tinsel triviality around me. The Grinch was winning big time! I had been frantically rushing around in ever-tightening circles. Have you ever been like this at Christmas?
I was sitting on the front doorstep when it opened, and He Whom my soul loves joined me. “Lord,” I began, as my soul stopped rushing around inside me and sat down for a few saving moments. “Speak to me. Do whatever it takes to touch the quiet place within me where You live. Whatever it takes, Lord, do what it takes to renew my faith and set my spirit dancing, so I can do whatever it takes to tell my world why You came at Christmas.” He smiled at me thoughtfully as if remembering something. Then He spoke.
“One day I said to my Father, ‘Whatever it takes, Father, I’ll do it. Whatever it takes to bring them all home to our house.’ And my Father said to me, ‘Go to Bethlehem! That’s what it takes!’ And so I came! As a baby, born to a woman who barely counted her age in double digits. Go to Bethlehem, Jill.”
I knew at once what He was telling me. I needed to go to Bethlehem. I had been to the mall, to the outlets, to visit the family, but I hadn’t been to Bethlehem! I had fallen into the Christmas rush. I went — right then and there. You can too, you know. It changed my Christmas. It will change yours!
Read:
Reflect:
How does the “Grinch” try to steal my Christmas joy?
What might it look like to say, “Whatever it takes, Lord,” in this season?
How will I come to Bethlehem this year?
Pray:
Lord, slow my restless heart and quiet my hurried mind. Teach me to be still and know that You are God. When I’m tempted to rush through this season, draw me back to the manger—to the simple, sacred place where peace begins. Renew my faith, restore my joy, and remind me that You came to meet me right where I am. Help me choose stillness over striving and presence over perfection. Whatever it takes, Lord, make my heart a home for You this Christmas. Amen.
As you carry this prayer into your day, keep listening for His quiet invitation to slow down and walk in step with Him.
✨ May this Advent day draw your heart closer to Jesus, who meets you in every moment.
P.S. Do you know someone who could use encouragement this season? Share this devotional and invite them to join our Advent journey.
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