Advent Scripture Series: Week 1

Advent Scripture Series

Week 1

The Christmas season has been my favorite since I was a child. It has always been magical, and not because of a man in a red velvet suit, I never believed in him anyway. Somehow Christmas makes me feel that much closer to my Savior. It is a time to remember how He came to us and why. And now as a Momma, picturing Him as an infant, vulnerable, pure, and precious, Mary nursing Him and comforting His cries, makes Him real, makes His sacrifice that much more meaningful. He came to us as a babe and died for us as a man.

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. What powerful and moving scripture this is! And we beheld His glory. Let us not forget what this Christmas season is truly about.

Rejoice greatly! Shout! Our King cometh! He came as a babe and will come again. We must keep our eyes on Him, always anticipating His coming.

He is our light, even in the darkest night. Let us never forget to rejoice with exceeding great joy when we see His shining light! The wise men could see His light and knew they were in the presence of God while He was just a babe, laying in a manager. They came to Him when He was just an infant, 33 years before He would lay His life down in sacrifice for their sins, and still they traveled far and wide to see Him. Let us do the same this Christmas season. He has given His life to save ours, the least we can do is to give ours to worship Him with exceeding joy.

As we scramble for last minute gift ideas, run through the stores chasing sales, and do our best to top last year's gifts, let's keep in mind the wise men and their gift giving. They fell down and worshiped Him, this tiny babe in a manger, and then they presented Him their gifts to honor Him. They gave the very best they had, their treasures, in honor and reverence, not because it was on the Christ child's Christmas list. Let's be intentional in our gift giving, reminding ourselves and the recipient, of Christ and His free gift of salvation, paid for by His blood.

He shall be THE PEACE. Not just the temporary calm before the storm, but the eye of the storm, perfectly calm, still. The holiday season can sometimes be anything but peaceful. The celebrations can become obligations and more stress than they feel like they're worth. Find the time this Christmas to seek Him out, the man of peace, He will be worth it.

Mary had just received the most wonderful and terrifying news of her young life. The day Gabriel appeared to her was truly a day that would forever change the course of her life. And yet she reacted in the most amazing way. She magnified her Lord and Savior. She rejoiced in God. Her faith held strong and her joy was overwhelming. This Christmas season will not just be filled with trees and lights, parties and gifts. There will be sadness and sorrow for some, joy unspeakable for others. But let's remember our blessings, let's be humble, let's praise Him and worship Him throughout it all. Let's let our souls magnify Him.