As we are entering the second week of December, and are now almost 10 days into Advent, I feel the need to bring up a point that too many people seem to miss this time of year. Advent is just as much of a time to prepare ourselves for the returning of Christ as Lent. Between the over commercialization of the season, and the anticipation and act of exchanging gifts it’s real easy to “forget” or dismiss the importance of the holiday on a spiritual level. Forget the commercialization aspect for a moment and just see it from perspective of a birthday. How can you blame anyone from getting caught up in the festive idea of the birth of Jesus. Now add in the gifts and “birthday party” mentality, sprinkle in some eggnog and a few Christmas songs, top it off with a tree and Kris Kringle and as happy of a time as it seems the day has become paper thin. Now before you start to respond with “Scrooge” or “bah humbug” let me just say that, like Easter, Christmas Day is a joyful celebration. And for the record I love eggnog! But THIS time…Advent…is for remembering the trials that Mary and Joseph went through in months, days, and literally minutes before the birth of Christ, as well as our time to prepare ourselves for when Christ will return. Whether it’s the birth, the rising, or the second coming of Jesus it is an absolutely joyous moment for us and should be celebrated accordingly. But like those who came before us, we must be ready…we must be worthy…of this gift. And we must be willing to teach others about this. So as we all (myself included) find ourselves over indulging in eggnog and holiday treats, while humming the same three Christmas songs we’ve heard a dozen times today, as we slip further into financial debt please take some time every day to center yourself with prayer, and put into perspective the TRUE debt we owe and the joy we will not just feel but live when He returns.
God bless. Merry Christmas. #advent #christmas #christ #jesus #reasonfortheseason