Even before Halloween had come and gone, my local craft store was filled to the checkout stations with Christmas décor.
I had entered on a simple mission (to find washi tape for my planner and faith journal), but instead found myself meandering down aisle after tantalizing aisle of holiday plates, table runners, ornaments, ceramic elves, owls, reindeer, pickup trucks, and more.
The display was dizzying.
Panic struck.
I hadn’t even begun to think about decorating for Christmas, after all, Pete and Patricia (two of our Halloween skeleton family – yes, I said two, don’t judge) were still driving around in my husband’s British hobby convertible (that’s another story for another time.)
But all the things on display did make me think about everything we do to get ready for Christmas … the decorating, cooking, buying presents, hosting parties … and, of course, the distraction, stress, and exhaustion that comes along with all this merry making.
I began to wonder, what if we’re missing the point?
What if these precious weeks leading up to Christmas could still be a time of connection with loved ones, but also a time of connection with our most true love … Jesus?
He came so long ago as a babe in a manger, became our risen Savior, and will one day come again as our victorious King, vanquishing the power of sin and death once and for all.
What if we focus on preparing our hearts for Him as much as we focus on preparing our homes for Santa Claus?
What if we devote a few minutes each day to anticipating the arrival of our Savior and King? How would we, and maybe even those in our sphere of influence, experience Christmas differently?
What if, instead of passively watching each Sunday of Advent (December 1 - 24) as someone lights the candles around the wreath, what if we did a little something to bring the light of Christmas into own hearts?
How about this?
You could begin reading the book of Luke on December 1 – the first Sunday of Advent – and finish it December 24, on Christmas Eve.
You could play Christmas hymns in your car and home as you bustle about doing ordinary things (not just when you’re making Christmas cookies or decorating the tree).
You could purchase an Advent devotional or study … or even find free Advent resources on sites like YouVersion.com, BibleProject.com, Bible.com, and Christianity.com. Here are a few good options:
Introduction to Advent
Advent resources: videos, articles, book recommendations, posters, Bible studies, etc.
28-day Bible reading plan
This year, how about if we make “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” more than just a sign in our front yards? How about if we make it a sign of our hearts being made new?
Let’s talk
Do you observe Advent? What are your Advent traditions? What is most meaningful about the Advent season for you?
Keeping Jesus at the forefront any time of the year is challenging--especially in today's culture. Like any other spiritual pursuit, reading His Word all through the year keeps me focused. At this time of year, I try to have all of my shopping and decorating done before December so that my focus remains on honoring Him through the month. By the 24th, my heart is prepared to celebrate the newborn king, to whom I owe everything.