The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Messages That Matter: Bearing Christ’s Light in a Connected World
“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” — Romans 10:14–15
Introduction
On December 3, 1992, the first-ever text message—“Merry Christmas”—was sent across the Vodafone network in the UK. Just two years later on this same date, the original PlayStation arrived in Japan, ushering in a new era of interactive entertainment. These milestones remind us of how rapidly our world has shrunk and how seamlessly digital communication has woven itself into our daily lives. Advent, a season of waiting and watching, invites us to consider how we communicate hope, truth, and Christ’s light in a world filled with screens, notifications, and endless digital noise.
Reflection
It’s astonishing to think that the world’s first text message was essentially a Christmas greeting—a simple blessing sent through technology that would soon reshape global culture. Today we send thousands of messages with a few taps of the finger, often without pausing to consider their weight or purpose. And the release of the PlayStation in 1994 reminds us how immersive digital worlds can become, shaping imaginations, habits, and even relationships.
Imagine sitting in a crowded airport terminal: screens glow, earbuds seal off conversations, and people communicate through invisible digital threads rather than the person next to them. The world feels both connected and strangely distant. And yet, into this very kind of world, Paul’s ancient question still rings true: How will people hear the good news unless someone proclaims it? Advent reminds us that God entered human history not through a notification or digital broadcast, but through a Child born in quiet simplicity. Even so, the gospel continues to travel through whatever channels we offer it—our voices, our actions, our posts, our messages. The question is not whether we will use technology, but whether Christ’s love will shine through it.
Application
As we move through Advent, consider this challenge:
Be intentional about the messages you send. Whether by text, email, social media, or face-to-face words, let the content reflect Philippians 4:8—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable. Take one moment today to send a message that carries Christ’s hope to someone who needs encouragement. Let your digital presence be a witness, not an echo of the world’s noise.
Conclusion
In a shrinking world where communication travels faster than ever, Advent invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and speak with purpose. The gospel doesn’t need new technology to be powerful—but it does need faithful messengers in every generation. May our words, whether spoken or typed, bear the beauty of those who bring good news.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in this season of Advent, teach me to be thoughtful and faithful in the messages I send and the words I choose. As technology shapes my days, help me use it not for distraction but for encouragement, truth, and love. Let my communication—digital and otherwise—point others toward You, the Light who entered our world to draw us near. Guide my heart, guard my mind, and fill my words with Your grace. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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