Monday, December 2, 2013

Advent Meditation

Its the most wonderful time of the year friends!

I pray that you are having a wonderful start to your week.

This is my favorite time of the year. The holiday season brings with it so many fond memories of family traditions, merriment, and holiday festivities. I just love the spirit in the air!

This year, since my little one is beginning to be old enough to kind of know what is going on, I am trying to come up with some new traditions for our sweet family of three to also make this a season of worship and reflection, instead of just one about the gifts and Santa (which are great too!).

Growing up, we celebrated the Advent season at church with the lighting of the candles on the wreath. I wanted to bring some of that tradition to our house, so we decided to do an advent calendar and scripture reading each day from December 1-25.

If you are interested- here is the advent scripture list we are using.

I decided to use this as a guide for some advent meditations here on the blog as well. I hope you enjoy following along with us!

Isaiah 2:6-7 (MSG)
For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
    the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
    and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.


I am in awe when I sit down and think about what the birth of Christ means for us. 

Jesus was a GIFT for us.  

A gift given out of love. God's desire is for us to live a life of wholeness, grace, peace, and love through relationship with Jesus. 

As we begin this busy Christmas season, lets remember the greatest gift ever given. 

I pray that during the advent the busyness of the season wouldn't take center stage in our lives. That stress, hurry, and gift giving will take a backseat to worship and reflection. 

I pray that we would love people well, as Christmas time can be painful and lonely for many. I pray that we are able to give grace to each other and to ourselves. That strained relationships would be restored and faults forgiven. I pray many people will come to know who Jesus is because we are able to love each other as he loves us.

I also pray that as we celebrate Jesus' birth we come to a new knowledge of God's love for us, because when we do we are forever changed for the better.

Amen and Merry Christmas!