Join me here preparing for the greatest celebration ever!
As far back as I can remember, Christmas was the most magical time of the year. Sure, it was presents hidden away in my parent’s closet, grandma’s sugar cookies, family gatherings, parties, caroling, and hot chocolate, but it was and is also the awe of Jesus.
Our hope is in our Giver before the beautiful gift of mercy and redemption that He will bring.
“Cease looking for the water, and look for the well. You will more readily see the Savior than see salvation, for he is lifted up, even he who is God, and beside him there is none else. You will more easily fix your eye on Jesus than upon… Click To Tweet“Cease looking for the water, and look for the well. You will more readily see the Savior than see salvation, for he is lifted up, even he who is God, and beside him there is none else. You will more easily fix your eye on Jesus than upon justification, sanctification, or any other separate blessing.”
Charles Spurgeon
Always in awe of the Story
As a child, I waited expectantly for presents on Christmas morning. Getting up as early as we could, my brother and sister, and I ran for the gifts. Always delighted at the special care mom and dad took for us.
At the same time, Christmas was waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And on Sundays at Church, singing hymns and listening to the Story of our Savior.
Then during the years when I didn’t attend church, I sometimes wandered into one on Christmas eve. Always in awe of the Story.
Now, no longer a prodigal daughter, I am still in awe. And there is nothing like gathering in the sanctuary of our church, lights out with candles lit, singing “Silent Night.”
Now, no longer a prodigal daughter, I am still in awe. And there is nothing like gathering in the sanctuary of our church, lights out with candles lit, singing "Silent Night." via @deborahrutherford #advent #christmas #devotional Click To TweetThe whole month of December is a special time when we celebrate what we are waiting for, in anticipation, our hope. Because Christmas gives us that extra spring in our steps that we carry all year long.
Also, traditions help mark our wait. Holidays and feasts are ways we remember what God has done for us in the past, present, and future. His providence, blessings, goodness, and love.
In my last post, Preparing the Heart for Gratitude, we discussed how Autumn begins a refocusing and discovery of the glory of living in the moment of gratitude.
In Autumn, we begin preparing our hearts with gratitude. Gratitude is how we remember what God did for us yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Preparing our Hope –
Now Advent season begins as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. When all creation rejoices for our Lord’s birth and next for His second coming to rule the earth.
Now Advent season begins as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. When all creation rejoices for our Lord's birth and next for His second coming to rule the earth. via @deborahrutherford #Advent #Christmas #Redemption Click To TweetFor Christians, Advent is the Coming of Christ, the four weeks leading up to Christmas day. Advent helps us focus on the reason for the season – Jesus Christ – rather than shopping, Santa Claus, and jingle bells. When we focus on Jesus, all other season activities become our tradition that always points to Jesus.
– We give gifts because we received the greatest gift of all – Jesus.
– We decorate our homes to transform them into winter wonderlands. We adorn our homes with Nativity sets, Christmas villages, trains, trees, wreaths, candles, garlands, and spices.
– We celebrate with family.
– We read the greatest Story ever told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke (Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-38).
– We read Advent devotionals daily to experience the greatest Story ever told every day.
– We worship in our churches, sing Christmas hymns and listen to Pastor’s sermons, and experience the awe and wonder of the greatest miracle and event ever.
– We watch and listen to our favorite Christmas movies and music.
– We prepare our Christmas cards and string lights outside and inside. Because the Light is coming. He is more than a twinkle and will light even the darkest place.
We prepare our Christmas cards and string light outside and inside. Because the Light is coming. He is more than a twinkle and will light even the darkest place. via @deborahrutherford #advent #hope #christmas #devotional Click To TweetFrom the Greatest Story Ever Told to Away in a Manger to It’s a Wonderful Life, followed by apple pie, egg nog, and cookies, we receive the greatest gift of all, Jesus.
The Advent season focuses on Jesus as the holiday dances around us.
Everything we do as Christians is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But more than a month is needed for Christmas.
But Christmas isn’t just a month. Christmas is forever. The Greatest Story ever told. Christmas is the coming of Christ, His birth, and His second coming. We wait in holy anticipation and joy for our Savior.
Joy to the world for Emmanuel is born, for Christ is risen.
How beautiful is it that even the unbelieving world celebrates the coming of Jesus?
How beautiful is it that even the unbelieving world celebrates the coming of Jesus? via @deborahrutherford #advent #christmas #hope #Jesus Click To TweetHow are you preparing for the greatest celebration ever?
I also have been writing daily on Advent over Instagram and Facebook. I will post them here too!
Love,
Deborah
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Deborah, this post is so encouraging. It made me realize whether as children, as prodigals, or believers, the Advent season does a work to draw us to the story of Jesus. His word never returns void but accomplishes purposes beyond what we can even imagine.
Joanne, I am so happy it encouraged you and for out Savior Jesus?
Preparing for Christmas is such a precious and holy time, Deborah! I’m so thankful, He invites us to COME to Him. Those who seek Him will surely find Him is a truth that brings much hope to our hearts.
Lisa, this is so true. We are blessed for our Hope.
Thanks for this article. Truly our focus should be on Jesus and not all the drama that comes with celebrating the season. Been reading your advent posts on social media.
Ufuoma, thank you for reading. Yes, Jesus is our celebration ?
So thankful for the hope we have! It certainly is what helps us through dark times. Love this walk through the preparation of Advent.
Nichole I love it too.
Debbie, this is such a beautiful message. So wonderfully spoken.
Thank you for sharing this blessed message with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
Merry Christmas Sweet friend.
Paula, thank you my dear sweet friends.?