Anticipating Jesus
Anticipating Jesus
I’ve always loved Christmas. My mother loves Christmas and always made sure that we had a very Merry Christmas. As I grow in my relationship with Christ,, the season has changed from gift-giving to rejoicing in the coming of our Lord. The perspective shift is everything. Shifting my focus from “Santa’s” coming to “Go, Jesus, it’s your birthday!” Takes the pressure off the Holiday season. When I’m not focusing on getting the perfect gift or getting everyone a gift, take time to focus on the gift to this world,, Jesus.
The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
It’s Advent season,, and it’s the preparatory time for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I’m sure you know,, but it sometimes gets lost. While the “Holiday Season” is all the buzz,, we are making out a list, filling our Amazon carts, and receiving extra emails and gift guides to prepare us for the Holidays.
but do we have the same anticipation for the coming of Jesus? Are we jaded by the fact that we know that He was born, died, and rose again that we aren’t like Children on Christmas day awaiting the most incredible gift- salvation?
Jesus is coming
“When they saw the star they were filled with joy.” Matthew 2:10
Not only for Christmas,, but He is coming back to conquer the world and restore His kingdom. The birth of Christ was the beginning of a promise made centuries before that will last until eternity. I find we are so temporal. We focus on the now instead of what is lasting, even in our health. We focus on what will help us, seeing results now instead of investing in ourselves as preventative care for our future.
So, as we love others through giving gifts, don’t forget to honor and bring glory to our Lord. The reason for the season and Savior for our eternity. With anticipation like a child on Christmas morning, let’s get hyped because JESUS is coming to save the world. So, I pray for good cheer, joy, hope, and love this December.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23
In just a few weeks, we will remember when God was born to be with us. I feel the Bible is an intimate diary or romance novel of God’s undying, steadfast love for us. The lengths He will do to save His people from themselves,, and no matter what we do, He will always be there with open arms to love and guide us through.
How do you celebrate your birthday?
How do you celebrate your besties? Spouse?
How do you celebrate your kid’s birthday? Christmas? Easter?
Why are we celebrating and honoring our children more than we do Jesus?
This holiday season instead of focusing on gifts. Let’s put an emphasis on the gift of Jesus. There are many resources out there for you to find Advent you and/or your family can share with each other in anticipation of Christmas day. I’ve heard people do twenty-five acts of kindness which is a great way to share God’s love. I encourage you to pray and see where the Spirit leads you.
Be aware during the Holidays
The Holiday Blues are real, and I feel it’s heavily based on the unrealistic expectation of media, social media, and our world place on things. Count your blessings and not your presents or Christmas cards this year. You will find more fulfillment in blessing others and finding benefits than gifting. Reach out to others who may be lonely during this time. Phone calls go so much further nowadays than emails or direct messages. Although, Holiday Cards are nearly extinct-send them you never know how your thoughtfulness can help someone feel the love during this time.
I just hope that the meaning of the season doesn’t get lost in the chaos and when we fix our eyes on Jesus it brings peace and hope to our circumstances. Praying for you this holiday season.
How do you prepare for Christmas?
