Are you anticipating Christ’s coming this Christmas or are you too busy to think about that? Would you like someone to pray for you?
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“Behold, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7).
Although malls have been dressed in Christmas finery for many weeks, it is only now—in these
first few days of Advent—that I find my pulse quickened and my attention pointed with
determination toward Christmas. Much work still lies ahead: not all the gifts are purchased,
packages must be wrapped and mailed, concerts, parties, baking and more fill the calendar.
But underneath it all lies this sense of joyful anticipation: He is coming soon! As a mother
prepares for the imminent birth of her child by fitting fresh linens on the cradle and caring ever
more completely for her body, I want to be sure my heart is “healthy,” my attitudes pure, and my
focus more on the coming Jesus than on my rapidly filling calendar.
Remind me, Father, to carve out a few minutes in every busy day during Advent to sit quietly in
your presence. Prepare me in fresh and exciting ways to welcome you anew into my heart and
into the world.
Question: Write in your journal at least one way you are taking time to anticipate Christ’s coming this Christmas.
About this Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Knowledge & Wisdom, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Tags: advent, anticipation, attitudes, baking, Christmas, concerts, packages
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Thank you for this reminder~
my heart is very heavy today as i think of the young man who lost his life because of a sale. i think a lot of people have forgot the real meaning of Christmas
Marilyn, thank you for a wonderful devotional. My husband has been without work since February – and yet I find myself so-o-o excited about Christmas!! There is no extra money for presents. So my daughter and I decided to make our time a “gift” to each other by sharing a day in the kitchen testing out a few new recipes – and then “gifting” the rest of the family with the fruits of our labor (hopefully edible! :D ). For the first time in years, I feel absolutely liberated to just simply celebrate our Savior’s birth without all the “extras” that crowd Him out (not to mention threaten my sanity! :D )
In a few days, we’ll bring the Christmas tree out of storage…and when I hang the ornaments that say “Joy” and “Peace”, I have a feeling I’m going to be dancing, because even in this time of financial struggle, I know I’ve been hugged by God Himself. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Marilyn, thank you for the wonderful devotional! But to be very honest I have such mixed feelings about Christ’s Return. On one hand I wish He would come this very second and then on the other I feel No not yet as I have family members and dear friends that are not saved so I feel so confused about the whole thing. Does anyone else feel that way or is it just me??? Sheila I have to say reading your comment just makes me feel so excited, relaxed, and focused on the true meaning of Christmas! Thanks for sharing with us and I will be praying your husband get a job real soon! Hugs, Linda!!!
Linda R, I definitely can relate to how you feel~
marilyn, thank you for this devotional. it is a needed reminder to us all to celebrate the only birth and day that truly deserves our love and devotion, not commercialism in plastic this and tinsel that. as many families continue their traditions would it not be wonderful to include reading scripture ‘the night before Christmas’ to a young child that perhaps has only known that it is santa claus that brings us toys and when in fact it is Jesus’ birth that brings us joy? as I journal daily I notice(in looking back) that this Christmas is even better than the last. Last Christmas was the first Christmas for me as a re-newed Christian. i went about decorating as I had done the last 20 years. this year as I started decorating, i felt differently looking at the decorations and noticed that i was leaving in the boxs many of the decorations that had always been put out for 20 years. and what I realized is that i am not a kid anymore and I know the real reason for the season. and I am excited. i know when my kids come home for Christmas break(they are 18 and soon next week, 20), there will be a few questions or disapproving disgruntles as to why the change. it will be very easy to answer, I have changed, rather been transformed.
linda r.-you are not alone. i have had that very thought just recently. it saddens me that in my immediate family, when Jesus returns and He will, they will not be prepared for Judgment Day. i am not saying that they are not Christians for I believe they are. but true Christians? i am not sure. only the Lord has that answer.