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On a recent ordinary night of driving my kids around to their activities, a soulful rendition of “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel” came on the radio. I wasn’t prepared for my first Christmas song of the year! My heart instantly filled with the joy of the season, and tears came to my eyes - I didn’t plan on that wonderful spiritual experience.
Generally speaking though, Advent is a season of planning. We prepare gifts, special events, service projects, cards, and thoughtful gestures. We do everything we can to make sure the holidays will live up to our expectations.
When Mary and Joseph were busy preparing for the first Christmas – things didn’t go their way. In spite of their obedience to God, Joseph couldn’t prevent Mary from having to flee on a donkey, be rejected at the inn and give birth in a manger surrounded by animals. Yet in spite of adversity, they were able to experience the joyful arrival of Christ's presence in the world - can you imagine how wonderful that must have been?
As hard as we try to prepare for Christmas, things don’t always go our way either! The extra busy-ness can feel overwhelming, and personal struggles can feel more pronounced during this season that makes us long for the very best of life.
Through the holiday rush, final exams and whatever else you’re going through, I pray you can experience the wonder of Christ’s presence in ordinary moments and at the gatherings you work so hard to prepare for. I pray the true Spirit of the season is born in the manger of your heart and fills you with a deep sense of awe in who Jesus was, is and always will be. I pray you receive the gift of deep and lasting inner peace.
Isaiah 9:6: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
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