December 19, 2012 By Tracy Leonard Have you ever experienced an intense passion or longing for something; a strong, persistent yearning or desire that is accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment? Perhaps this desire and search is the reason or source of hope for a future good. This thing we yearn for may be difficult, but not impossible to obtain if we depend on God. This longing, anticipation and hope are possibly a familiar feeling in your heart this Christmas season as you anxiously and expectantly await the birth of our humble savior Jesus Christ; priest, prophet and king. What are you doing to prepare for Him? Are you ready to receive Him? As we contemplate the incarnation, or the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ, may we openly prepare our hearts to welcome Him. Weeks before Christmas, many of us are consumed by the commercialism of the holiday season. We are decorating our homes, baking cookies, writing letters to Santa and searching for that perfect gift that will bring incredible joy. Perhaps we need to take a step back. Let us decorate not just our homes, but our lives with works of charity and designated time of contemplation and prayer. Let us write letters to those we love. Help us, Lord ,to see Santa Claus as one who embodies the spirit of giving and unselfish love.Take time. Reflect within. Are you like Elizabeth’s baby in the womb who leaps for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting? Are you like the shepherds crossing the field, bringing your poverty, humility and simple openness for the joy of the Lord? Find hope and joy in Simeon’s blessing which tells us that the Christ child would be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). This was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few. This is your command - follow Him this Christmas season and be a light to the world which so desperately needs His love. |