By Holly Culhane
It’s December. The most anticipated time of the year for many. The most dreaded time for others. Families often plan with excitement their time together, while others grieve the loss of loved ones and miss those they hold dear. Children list all they hope to find under a tree. Friends gather to toast each other, the months behind them, and their futures.
All too often, no matter how hard we try, this time of year becomes occupied with everything except that one thing we need the most – time with our Lord!
We are often so engaged in making lists, buying gifts, planning parties – or potentially living in our grief – that we rush right past Advent, the season intended to remember and celebrate the arrival of our Savior on earth, reflect on the unexpected nature of His humble birth, and join in the anticipation of when He will come again to reunite heaven and earth once and for all.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
— Matthew 1:23
Please join me in celebrating Immanuel, our God with us. Don’t miss this opportunity that will come only once in this year, in this way, in your lifetime.
Merry Christmas!
DIGGING DEEPER QUESTIONS:
- What ways do you welcome in and assure you are reminded of Advent?
- How do you encourage, or even lead the sheep entrusted to your care, to remember and celebrate Advent?
- Are there any sheep in your life for whom you need to gently care during this season, as this may be a dreaded time for them? How can you shepherd them well?
