JOYFUL HEART BLESSINGS 24
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not toe judge the world, but to save the world through him." -John 3:16-17 NLT
There is no greater love than this! Let’s take a moment and really marvel at all God has done for us through His Son Jesus. Gifts wrapped under trees give a special nod to the season, but goodness they cannot compare to the infinite gift wrapped in a manger. Jesus came for us! And by His grace, He will come again in glory.
On this Christmas Eve, I can’t help but reflect on the new perspectives this Advent has brought me. It’s been a season of waiting like no other before. I’ve been living a new kind of anticipation as we count down the days to our baby girl’s arrival coming in February. I’ve thought of Mary more than ever — She was living her own “advent season” as the very first Advent was unfolding! How did she ride a camel so close to her due date? How did she really feel in a dark and drafty stable away from home? Some of God’s most remarkable mysteries are wrapped in Mary’s birth story, if you ask me. Her strength and humility and unwavering faith are truly heaven sent! And it was exactly as God had planned. Not one piece was a mystery or a surprise to Him. He gave Mary all she needed in her season of waiting, from the very first moments of the angel’s news, to Jesus’ very first earthly breath. God’s fingerprints are evident on every page — the Old and New Testament Scriptures we read today are tied closer than a heartbeat. It’s all about Jesus!
Whatever season of waiting you might find yourself in today and no matter what may come, may Mary’s advent season be a beacon of hope for a silent night. In her waiting, God’s presence remained a promise! His love became human — the greatest gift of all. He sees you in your advent season, too, and He’s not leaving you there. Christmas Day is coming. Seasons of waiting may feel like a long journey way too many months pregnant riding on the back of a donkey or similar transportation of some sort — uncomfortable to say the least and forever wondering “are we there yet?” But I find incredible comfort knowing God meets us wherever we are in our journey with grace (and maybe a donut pillow).
He sees you, He loves you. He sees you, He loves you…a never more true phrase a Bible study leader of mine has reminded us during meetings together. John 3:16 tells us so. He sees you, He loves you. He sees you, He loves you. Repeat, repeat, amen.
Let’s pray together, little ones and big kids the same.
Dear Jesus,
You see me, You love me. You see me, You love me. There is no greater love. Thank You for coming to be with me, so I may always be with You and the Father.
Amen.