In anticipation of Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’re only 37 short days out until Christmas is once again upon us. This morning I woke up and was reading through God’s word and I couldn’t help but smile to be alive during such a time as this. So many people want this year to disappear like it never existed. Trust me, there have been moments where that was me. They want to forget the pain, illness, anger, sadness, and fear that overcame so many of those around us. We want to forget how our lives were turned upside down on the expectations that 2 weeks would be the only sacrifice we would need to make, only to see everything we know blow away with the wind. 

We want to make comments from those who were closest to us be squashed along with this pandemic. We balance our desire to want to run into the arms of our loved ones without reserve or concern with the fear that it might be detrimental to their wellbeing. Why wouldn’t we? We were designed to love and be loved. Personal interaction is at the core of who we are as humans.

I made the personal decision to turn off the news far before the elections. The information started to bleed in together and watching the news 24/7 wasn’t going to help anyone, because it was just going to turn on the “fix it switch” oh so wonderfully stationed at every nerve in my brain. I’d like to say this is a clever joke, but those switches do very much exist and they can be extremely helpful at times. What is unfortunate is that most of the time it just turns me into an electrical car with unlimited electricity and a cement brick on the gas pedal. It’s simply not pretty to see because I want to make everything right, everyone happy, and every moment a precious reflection of God’s love. As lovely as all of that would be, it’s simply impossible for me to accomplish. Let’s be real, I couldn’t do it if I tried. 

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26. 

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. It reminds me that I am nothing without God, so that I always keep my eyes focused on Him. It reminds me that God is in control all the time, so I have nothing to fear and worry about. It leads me to every place where God reminds me of who He was, who He is, and who He is to come. That pretty much outlines the path of my life. The path that leads me straight to Jesus. O heart be still.

I love Christmas and the days leading up to it. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you a big part of it was not uniting family with a big meal, gifts, bright lights, and laughter. But, if I am being frank, it’s mainly the anticipation and excitement that leads to the coming of my Messiah. Just as those before the time of Jesus anticipated the coming of his birth, I am here in this very moment in remembrance of that moment, and sit in anticipation of the second coming of my Messiah. 

As the boxes arrive filled with various surprises for those I love, the wrapping paper rocks and rolls like Elvis Presley in the 50’s, the lights are strung by the mantle with care, the menu is being intricately designed, the playlist is being structured to reflect an evening leading to the moment we break bread, and each person written deep within my heart is being prayed over, my heart grows softer and my spirit bursts with joy. The kind of joy that makes me jump up and down singing Jesus on repeat, a few keys off and a few octaves higher than my lungs can handle. 

Does anything change that joy? How could it, when it lives deep within our hearts no matter what is going on around us?

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Hello!! This year, like every year presented before it in our lives, has been an absolute blessing because it is connected to our Savior. My giddy spirit is jumping up and down as my heart sings out to God, “I’m getting ready for you”. So no matter where you are in this very moment, I pray you can find freedom from everything that does not come from the Creator of all things that surround you. I pray that He meet your heart for Him right where you are and that He immerse you in His holiness. Because if your spirit is not bursting with love, peace, patience, joy, forgiveness, kindness, and grace, it just needs to be set free for the Messiah. 

Oh Father… how grateful I am for your never-ending love and mercy. So long as you have a plan for me on this earth, here I will stand. Until that day you call me home use me even for the most mundane activities to bring you glory, and let those things be an example of your loving grace. I am eagerly anticipating the moment to celebrate the birth of your Son, but how much more eagerly do I wait for your return for your children!?

Love,

Kimberly