Day 1: Why My Story Matters to God

Theme: Understanding the Value of Your Story in God’s Eyes

First Reading:
Isaiah 2:1–5 — “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.”
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain… that He may instruct us in His ways and we may walk in His paths.” (Isaiah 2:3)

Responsorial Psalm:

Psalm 122 — “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
“I rejoiced because they said to me, ‘We will go up to the house of the LORD.’” (Psalm 122:1)

Second Reading:

Romans 13:11–14 — “Awake from sleep.”
“It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep… let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11–12)

Gospel:

Matthew 24:37–44 — “Stay awake!”
“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

Reflection:

Today marks the beginning of both Advent and your 175-day journey, and this first step invites you into something sacred: the awareness that your story matters deeply to God.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises that His plans for you are filled with hope and purpose. Nothing in your life—no wound, no moment of joy, no painful chapter, no triumph—is wasted in His hands. Your story is part of His greater plan, and through grace, He continues to rewrite, restore, and transform it.

The Advent readings echo this truth.
Isaiah shows us a people willing to take the first step toward God’s mountain—not because they feel strong, but because they desire His light. Romans reminds you to awaken from emotional and spiritual sleep, and the Gospel urges readiness—not a frantic kind, but a gentle awareness that God often arrives quietly, in unexpected ways.

This first day is not about striving or fixing anything.
It is about showing up, even imperfectly.
It is about letting the smallest spark of openness be enough for God to begin the work He longs to do in you.

As you begin this journey, let your heart ask honestly:

  • Where have I been asleep spiritually or emotionally?

  • Where have I felt distracted, overwhelmed, or disconnected?

  • Where might God be calling me to step toward His light, even if it’s only a tiny step?

Today, you begin not with pressure, but with presence.
Not with perfection, but with willingness.
God sees every part of your story — and He is already working within it.

Action/Practice:

Take five minutes today to sit quietly with God.
Place your hands open, palms up, and simply say:
“Lord, I am here. Awaken my heart.”

Let today be about willingness, not perfection.

Daily Goal:

  • Embrace the value of your life story, understanding that God has a purpose for every part of it. Reflect on how God’s grace is rewriting your past.

  • Start your journey by noticing God’s presence and becoming open to what He wants to awaken within you.

Journal Prompt:

"How does knowing my story matters to God change how I view my past and my future? How can I reframe painful moments through God’s hope and purpose?"