My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

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Day 13: Josiah Finds the Law

Picture / Ornament: Hebrew Scroll

Scripture: Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 2 Chronicles 34:1-3, 8, 14-19, 24-33

Song: What Child is This?

Even before the Israelites had asked for a king, God knew that they would have a king and He knew that the king would either be a help or hurt his people. God made some very wise rules for these future kings, rules like the king should be an Israelite man rather than being from a foreign nation, that he should not have too many horses or too many wives, and that he should write a copy of the book of the law for himself to read all the days of his life. Aren’t these good rules? These are good rules for us and for our leaders today, too.

In the years following the reign of King David, the nation of Israel was split into two nations, Judah and Israel, each with their own kings. The kings of Israel, one after another, were wicked kings, but some of the kings of Judah followed God and some didn’t.

About 300 years after King David, a young boy named Josiah was named the king. Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king, and he began to earnestly seek God while he was yet a teenage boy. Josiah broke to pieces all of the idols and tore down all of the altars to false gods. Josiah also ordered that God’s holy temple be rebuilt.

While the people were rebuilding and cleaning up the temple, the priest found the book of the law that God had given to the people through Moses. The priest (Hilkiah) gave the book to the secretary (Shaphan) who read the law to King Josiah.

How do you think good King Josiah felt when he heard God’s law read? King Josiah was heartbroken when he heard how terribly his people had sinned against God.

After King Josiah heard God’s law read to him, then he wanted all his people (both GREAT and small) to hear it, too! He wanted the elders and the priests and the men and the women and the children to hear and obey God’s Word! When we forget to read God’s law and don’t hide His Word in our heart, we, too, will wander away. When we faithfully read God’s Word, then we can follow God more closely. I am so glad that your family is seeking to know God!

God is totally faithful, and God always keeps His promises. God promised to bring disaster on the people if they didn’t follow His commands – and He did. God promised to forgive us when we turn from our sins and come to Him by faith – and He does. God promised to send a Savior – and He did! That Savior is Jesus.

Today is a great day to thank God for sending Jesus, God with us.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus.