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John 17:21 – [My prayer is] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (NIV)
As we walk through the store aisles, the girls scan the rows for all the latest toys arriving for the Christmas season. Their anticipation of what lies ahead in a few more weeks is piqued high with excitement. They are waiting — waiting for that one special day of the year when they awake to wrapped presents snuggled under a decorated Christmas tree.
For Christians in the western world, Advent is a season of preparing for the coming of the Messiah. We wait not only for the celebration at Christmas of the birth of Jesus in the past, but also for His second coming in the future at a time of His choosing. Advent is a time of anticipation, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
Yet, as I was searching my mind the other day, trying to remember where I had tucked away my Advent log, I was reminded that Advent is meant to be a time to focus our hearts and minds on the true meaning of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus really is with us each and every day, for He has promised, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b NIV)
Jesus is always with us through the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit, in each and every circumstance, no matter where we are or what we are doing, which in turn means that each and every day, we should be anticipating Jesus' words, actions, and thoughts to be making themselves known to us within our daily lives. For Jesus desires fellowship with us. He wants us to be one with Him as He is one with His Father.
So, this year, as we head with anticipation toward Christmas, let us also begin looking, each and every day, for the living Christ's appearance in our own thoughts, words, and actions, for indeed, He is with us, and we shall see Him, if we ask the Spirit to open our eyes to do so.
Prayer: Lord God, thank You so much that through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is with us each and every day in each and every circumstance. Open our eyes this day and every day in anticipation to recognize and praise Him for His presence and appearance. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
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Thank you.
Thank you, Lynne, for this comforting and challenging message.
I hear you, Lynne. Thank you for the gift of this timely reminder. You do it so well.
Good and encouraging theology during these challenging times. Thanks.
Blessings.
A timely message for me as I am preparing for my lesson on this topic for Sunday School this week. Thanks and blessings, Lynne!
Again thank you Lynne, your devotional is so well written, opens up to the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. Do take care and have a blessed day.
Thank you for the inspiration for the Advent season, Lynne. It is soul-searching to be Advent people.
Best wishes for an expectant celebration.
Dear Lynne
Thank you and God Bless. I say a hearty Amen to your sharing today.
Blessings be with you and your granddaughters especially with their excitement as they prepare for Christmas and as you share with them the real joy of Advent and Christmas with them.
Good morning, Lynne,
Many thanks for another of your very mindful devotionals. You always create a great analogy of everyday occurrences in our lives with the way Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, works in our lives. Our loving Saviour is so deserving of all honour and praise, and we especially reflect this through Advent Sunday services. Blessings for these very special writings you do.
This year during Advent I’m making an effort to reach out each day to someone I haven’t seen or talked to in awhile. A plate of cookies, a scone, or a bag of poppycock seems to mean a lot to most folks when given in the spirit of love. But instead of dragging, Advent is zipping along.
Active waiting is a whole new ball game! I hope you are safely out of the flooding waters. Poor BC.
Enjoy this walk toward Christmas.
Great encouragement to focus on the reason for Christ’s coming.