I have a confession to make. The past few years I have tried to be very intentional about how I spend my time during this season. Let's be honest...things can get crazy. And since I've come to know Jesus more deeply my heart has longed to make this season more about Him and less about me and my to-do list. However, EVERY year, around this time, I freak out. Mostly in my head, but sometimes in ways visible to others. Yesterday was my freak out day. I actually texted my husband with a list of a all that I needed to get done in the next few days. That feeling of being overwhelmed and panicky had crept in. The truth is, even when we are intentional with our time, the busyness of this season can get the best of us. I have to constantly be on guard and remind myself to focus on the reason I celebrate in the first place: Jesus, Immanuel, God is With ME! And the best way for me to remind myself of this? MAKE ROOM. Make room in my routine to sit, read, pray and reflect. Make room in my day to take a 10 minute walk outside, take in the fresh air, and listen for God. But we have to MAKE room, it doesn't just happen on its own, does it? Jesus came to change the world, to flip everything that was expected completely on its head and show us love in a way we never would have dreamed up ourselves. Friends, Jesus came to change the world, but has he changed YOUR world? Has He changed the way you spend your time? Has He changed the way you view people? Has He changed the way you view your trials? Has he changed the way you look at times of waiting? Has he changed how you view yourself? Make room. Make room in your life and heart for Him to change not just the world, but YOUR world. This takes time, intentionality, and in many cases a firm and steady grip on the peace He offers when the world all around us wants us to do MORE. As you make room in your life to draw near to Jesus this Christmas, it is our prayer that you allow Him to take up residence in your heart, and change your world completely. Take time to enjoy the song below and reflect on its amazing words and message. "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Ezekiel 36:26
1 Comment
How is your heart doing this Christmas season? Frantic? Stressed? Peaceful? Rejoicing? This past Wednesday, we took time at our monthly gathering to center our hearts on Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. If you weren't able to join us, we wanted to invite you to join us in accepting the peace God has waiting for us. Set aside 15 minutes to abide in Christ. Start with this video... Read: Isaiah 7:14 Prophecy about the birth of the Messiah, Emmanuel Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Matthew 1:18-25 The birth of Jesus the Messiah, Emmanuel 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. John 14:15-20 Jesus promises the Holy Spirit- who is with us and in us now. 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Revelation 21:1-3 God with us in the New Jerusalem 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. God promised he would come down to us through the birth of His Son Jesus, Emmanuel. His promise came true when God himself came down as a tiny baby to live in flesh here with us. Jesus was crucified, died, and then defeated death by rising to life again. When he went back to heaven to sit next to God the Father, he didn't leave us alone. We still have an advocate here with us always--His Holy Spirit living inside all who believe. And, God promises to come again, and live WITH us for eternity!
We are not alone. God understands us, has amazing plans for us, and loves us beyond measure! Consider these reflection questions: What about this scripture is speaking to you? How does the truth that “God is with us” encourage you? During this Advent season, how will you respond to these Truths? In what ways will you specifically worship God for sending his Son? Dear friends, as you abide in Christ and connect with your family and community this season, we wish you all the peace and joy that God has waiting for you. |
Kaylee & HeatherWe were just two moms who started abiding in Christ and praying together weekly. Find out more about Our Story. Archives
September 2020
CategoriesWeekly EmailsWould you like to be added to our email list? We send out emails weekly with encouragement and thoughts on our current study. Email us and we'll get you on the list!
|