Devotional for 12/6/15
There is always so much activity this time of year. Decorations to get out, go through, decide which and where to use, inside and outside, etc. Some things may need replacing, so a trip to the store may be in order. Then there are the Christmas cards - first a check of the list to see if there are any addresses that need to be removed or updated or added, a trip to get the cards if they weren't bought on clearance the year before, then a note to write to include in them, signing, addressing... and at least one trip to the Post Office for stamps and/or mailing them. For those who haven't shopped ahead of time, a gift list is started, refined, added to, and used as a guide with another trip - shopping for the gifts that can't be found on line, wrapping and... did I mention another trip - to the shipping place of choice?
Traveling around town at this time of year can be unusually busy on the roads. Everyone seems to go so slowly, especially when you are in a hurry. And if someone is going to do the speed limit, for goodness sake, they should get in the slow lane! We're in a hurry here, trying to get all our regular things done and also trying to have time to squeeze in the extra stuff. As we get more tense and anxious, just maybe this thought may come to mind: "Perhaps God wants me to slow down!"
This is the season of Advent, the 4 weeks before Christmas. It is supposed to be a time of preparation, but more of a quiet, reserved waiting with anticipation than what we often turn it into. Advent is a time to slow down, to enjoy the season of anticipation. Joseph and Mary must have been full of eager waiting as Mary came closer and closer to delivering the Son of God. At least they had a slow mode of travel to that historic destination - walking or riding a donkey. This gave them plenty of time for reflection on God's purpose for their lives. May we also take time to reflect on this season of preparation and quiet our hearts, filled with awe at this most amazing moment in time. We pray that God keep us strong through all trials, and give us the ability to share the news of the coming Christ with others as we await his second coming!
Psalm 27:14 NIV Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen!
written by Jan Andersen
This is a timely word Jan. We all need to get our priorities in order and give our first fruits to the Reason for the season...Jesus,
ReplyDeleteGod bless