Just a few more days and the Big day will arrive. With so much excitement in the room, and anticipation building, trees and decorations ready (probably since November if you are anything like me). The gifts are all beautifully wrapped under the tree, and maybe you’re thinking about one last run to the shops to prepare.
The time is upon us now, when Christmas Cards are given, we are surrounded by hugs and love, smiles and the companionship. We enjoy a break from our normal routines, with Christmas dinners and family visits. Thoughts of the extra kilos gained during this season, and resolutions for the new year, rapidly arise in our minds. All of this is part of enjoying this season. With so much joy, love, kindness, generosity, peace, patience — and of course, self control to endure the dinners and the multitude of people at the shops — this is what make Christmas such a special time.
For some of you, all of this might sound great. Others might be anxious just reading it. But wherever you sit on the matter, let us all stop for a moment to breathe, relax, and remember.
This time is about you and Jesus. You are the one that chooses how to live this season and the rest of your life with Him.
Luke 2:7-10 “7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was not guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.’” Let’s choose to live with the Joy of the good news given to us.
Remember to pray. Ask God to prepare your heart for this season and for Him. Ask Him for opportunities to share His love with others, whether it’s through a game, or a shared meal etc., (when you know that you are doing it for Him, the Joy will always abide in your hearts). Pray for discernment on how to set your priorities. Pray for your love to be Hislove, so you can share it with others wherever you go. Pray for peace over the busyness of the season. Pray for a clear mind and thoughts in the midst of all the preparation and planning.
Pray that God will shift the excitement in the room. Pray that your expectations for Christmas Day, the excitement and overflowing joy of Christmas preparations, should be matched by the same, or an even greater, anticipation to be prepared for His coming. Pray that God will show you what needs to be transformed in your hearts to always be with Him.
This is a good way to continue walking these last day of advent 2022, and a great way to learn to prepare ours hearts for Him.
Prayer
Jesus, I accept you as a my Lord and saviour. Thank you, Jesus, for Your forgiveness and Your love. Thank you for Your freedom, that I can choose to live a life full of Joy and peace because of You. Thank you that I can celebrate, and embrace the promise of eternal life with You.Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to prepare my heart for You daily. Jesus, I love You and I choose You today and forever in my life. Amen.