What are you experiencing most during the Christmas season?
Is it the hope-peace-joy-love in the advent of holy preparation, or the more to-dos adding to an already overwhelming list?
So, what can we do to exchange the pace of the season with the peace of the season?
Cluttered schedules may not be the only thing that steals our peace during the holidays. Circumstances that fill up the year seem magnified at this time and pain is all that can be seen in an expected season of joy . . .
For many, the holidays are often an emotional minefield. Loneliness, loss, broken relationships, financial struggles, and sickness become magnified.
But there’s more.
Christmas is the gospel covering regret and sorrow.
When the angel proclaimed good news of great joy for all people, it wasn’t just for the ancient shepherds abiding in a field. You may think all people didn’t mean every person.
It did.
The Incarnation bent down low to earth, to move into our hearts, where there may be no room for anymore than what you are feeling in this moment . . .
We can make room for the comfort that brings joy. When the situation cannot look worse, Jesus is still our Advent hope-peace-joy-love.
Our Savior Jesus, who is our hope. 1 Timothy 1:1
He Himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:14
These things I say to you that my joy may remain in you. John 15:11
God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. John 3:16
We are the reason Jesus birthed the season – the amazing message enough to make angels gasp – enough to make us magnify the greatness of God.
A magnifying glass makes an image appear larger, more near, it overpowers the rest of the picture. When we allow God to become larger than life, our circumstances are overshadowed. It shifts our focus.
May we walk in Mary’s advent footsteps, “My soul magnifies the Lord” . . . . Luke 1:46
Verna
I really like your point about exchanging the pace of the season for the peace of the season – very well put!
I’ve been doing some daily readings and trying to be more regular with my prayer life to prepare for Christmas.
I also like the part that you included in your post about how this is an emotionally difficult time for people. It’s important to keep those who aren’t having such a fantastic time in mind.
It’s a little early, but still… merry Christmas!
Grateful for your visit and encouraging comment. It’s the “daily” that keeps our eyes from wandering to our circumstances. Yes, so important to keep those in mind who are facing difficulties that are emphasized at this time of year . . . we get swept passed them in our yuletide rush, don’t we?
And, a very merry Christmas to you . . .
I really like your point about exchanging the pace of the season for the peace of the season – very well put!
I’ve been doing some daily readings and trying to be more regular with my prayer life to prepare for Christmas.
I also like the part that you included in your post about how this is an emotionally difficult time for people. It’s important to keep those who aren’t having such a fantastic time in mind.
It’s a little early, but still… merry Christmas!
Grateful for your visit and encouraging comment. It’s the “daily” that keeps our eyes from wandering to our circumstances. Yes, so important to keep those in mind who are facing difficulties that are emphasized at this time of year . . . we get swept passed them in our yuletide rush, don’t we?
And, a very merry Christmas to you . . .
Beautiful post! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Lisa!
Beautiful post! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Lisa!
So thankful to have a friend that continues to remind me with her stories how blessed we are and where our focus should always be. In Christ we will always have all we need. Have a wonderful Christmas Verna!
Miss you so much! Thank you, Tammie for stopping by – it makes me feel like you’re not so far away (loved the pics, by the way) . . . .
So thankful to have a friend that continues to remind me with her stories how blessed we are and where our focus should always be. In Christ we will always have all we need. Have a wonderful Christmas Verna!