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How are you … really? Pause, take a moment, and ask yourself: are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, financially stressed, worn out, frustrated? There are more adjectives we could add to this list, and many of them are feelings we’d rather avoid. And it’s not just you and me — nearly everyone around us feels this way (at least sometimes) during "the most wonderful time of the year."
As Christians, we know we can turn to His Word when these feelings consume us. Jesus says to us in Matthew 11, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." In Isaiah 41:10 we read, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." And in Philippians 4, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a blessing to have these comforting promises! And yet, so many people in our lives do not know the true comfort found in Jesus.
Advent, a short but important season of the church year, helps prepare our hearts and minds for the coming Christ child. We light candles for peace, hope, joy, and love — gifts our heavenly Father sent down to us in and through His Son! When this world, Satan, and our own sinful flesh threaten to overwhelm, we know PEACE in His saving grace, HOPE for eternal life with Him, true JOY that only He can give, and LOVE so great that nothing can separate us from Him.
My prayer for you this Advent is that you would take time to be still (Ps. 46:10). Focus on who and what this season is all about. And, because we are created to do so, tell the people in your life why you experience true peace, hope, joy, and love! We get to be His light (Matt. 5:16) — what an honor!
Devotion Idea
There are 24 days until Christmas! I encourage you to read the Gospel of Luke, one chapter a day, until Christmas. This is an excellent way to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming Messiah!
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