Advent. I love this word even though I was not raised in a tradition that observes it. A simple glance at the dictionary shows me why it resonates with me.
n. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival
A coming into. We head into the holiday season and into the month of December bringing with us a list of expectations and to-do’s as long as our arms. We want the best holiday ever. We want to create sweet memories. We want our family to feel loved. We want lingering time around the tree with hot chocolate in our hands and contented smiles on our faces. We might be trying to reclaim our childhoods or our romanticized version of pre-pandemic holidays.
But if only we could remember, even before we rush into the season, that it is about a coming into, an arrival.
It’s most certainly the arrival of our Savior, but even before that, it is the preparation of our hearts as we come into his view, as we come into being, deep in our souls, at a place that is ready and willing to look and find and experience this Christ.
Yes, he came as a baby. We celebrate his birth. But he didn’t come to stay as one.
He arrived with purpose for you and for me.
He came into our view, anointed by the LORD, so that he could share good words with those who were poor in spirit.
He came to bind up those of us who are carrying broken hearts with us into this season.
He came to tell us that we who feel imprisoned can actually be set free.
He came to cover us with comfort if we are in a mourning season.
He came to share his beauty with us, to replace our despair with his joy.
Jesus does not come on Christmas morning simply to stay in the manger and to smile angelically over our present-opening.
He arrives each holy season to heal you.
To set you free.
To bring you deep joy.
Are you coming into? How can you prepare your heart for when he comes into view and finally arrives?
HOLIDAYS FOR THE HURTING: 25 Devotions to Help You Heal is available in THREE FORMATS this season:
-paperback: https://bit.ly/holidays-hurting
-Kindle: https://elisabethklein.com/product/holidays-for-the-hurting/
-25-day e-devotional sent to your email every morning in December starting TOMORROW: https://elisabethklein.com/product/holidays-hurting-daily-e-devo/
