Christmas dazzles with all the color and sparkle. Holidays entice with festive food and desserts... perhaps a little too tempting. The barrage of marketing appeals can frustrate and disillusion. The month of December may feel fun and exciting or busy and overwhelming with events, celebrations, and shopping. It can be stressful with greater expenses and complex expectations. Christmas can be filled with delight and meaning as we spend time with family and friends or the losses of the year can feel even bigger than usual.
Sometimes we get caught up in the enticing sparkle and color of Christmas... just like our Munchkin-girl who could not resist climbing the tree. But Christmas time is more; it is Advent. It is the time we engage the waiting. Our hearts long for more... we hope and anticipate the Divine Light that breaks into our darkness.
Advent is here. We wait for the birth of our Savior. Elves, stockings, cookies, and gifts are fun, but there is more. So we turn to God's redemptive gift 2000 years ago... he is still giving today.
It has been a full and celebratory weekend in my home. So today I pause to attend to my heart. Time still feels tight and the task list seems rather endless. But how can I make space to attend to my heart's desire for God, for a renewed awareness of the gift of Jesus? What about you? What do you need to attend to your heart and attend to God?
In these coming weeks push the pause button, breathe, and know that you are loved. Know that Jesus came as a baby, Jesus reigns today, and God's kingdom is here. Listen for just a little while. Let us live in His Light... and be light to the world this Advent.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7