Anticipating the arrival of a loved one is a joyful time, isn’t it? A Christian’s heart has the possibility of that joy every moment of every day…and at ‘Christmas time’ we have an open door to discuss that joy! Are you ready to grab the moments that come your way?While we’ve never been part of a church that liturgically celebrated Advent, it is our family tradition to prepare our hearts in the days prior to Christmas. I wanted to share some of that with others this year.
We live in a world that has so secularized Christmas that its original intent is often obscured. We must not let that happen to our own celebrations. While the reality is that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th anyway, the world gives us an open door with its Christmas celebrations. Even the secular world turns its eyes to God in this season. Let us use the world’s preparations to proclaim the love, grace & mercy of Jesus Christ that more might be won to the Kingdom.
When we fix our hearts and eyes on Truth, it flows into our days…and people see the Word in our walk. That is how it ought to be. When we celebrate richly, others will take note. Today begins the Advent Season for this year. In the midst of busy-ness, consider how young Mary welcomed God’s interruption of her life plans. A young woman, betrothed to a man….and told by God she would soon be carrying the Messiah in her womb. That was an ‘interruption’ that was likely to cost her impending marriage–and quite possibly her life. But Mary’s response was “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
“Mary’s faith is a wonderful example for us. Rather than resentfully looking at her pregnancy as unfair and embarrassing, she understood that she had been uniquely blessed by God. John MacArthur, Jr.
Throughout the week, pause each day to refocus on the blessed truths of the One who is coming…
Monday Luke 1:35-38 Heart Focus: Obedient Submission to the will of God
Tuesday Jeremiah 29:11-13 Heart Focus: Trust in the plans of God
Wednesday Proverbs 16:3,9 Heart Focus: Enjoy the story God is writing for you
Thursday James 4:13-15 Heart Focus: Let God give you the details as He wills
Friday Psalm 37:4-7 Heart Focus: Be rooted & joyful in the love of God
Saturday Luke 1:39-41 Heart Focus: Loving others is loving God
As we celebrate this season, may we keep in the front of our minds that Jesus is coming again! He will not be coming as a vulnerable baby–but as the conquering King. Let us do all we can to encourage others to prepare Him room. See you next Sunday!
Thank you for the Candle Best Animations !
Heartsong Ministries 