This Christmas ornament and the previous two are my
children's first ornaments. They are 31, 29, and 19.
Too many of those years Jesus got lost in the busyness,
the hustle and the bustle.
Christmas is a birthday we celebrate. Advent is the time
leading up to Jesus birth, a time to prepare for the most
amazing gift ever given to us. Don't let the One we
celebrate get lost in that preparation.
Advent Reading
Psalm 147: 1-12, Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35; 10: 1, 5-8
"God who is the fullness of Being infiltrated our world of beings in order that we might fully be. Christmas is about the incarnation, and incarnation is God's becoming what he is not, in order that we might become what he is." (Richard John Neuhaus, God with Us)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
We are all brokenhearted, not just in the sense of a mournful heart, but in a heart that has been wounded, by our sin, by the sins of others, by living in a broken world. A world that is now not as it should be, as it was created to be. God entered our world to make possible the healing, the restoration we so need and long for.
Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee"
Father, open our eyes and hearts to your amazing love, to your amazing grace, that would cause you to go to such great lengths to bring us back to you. May these truths become more real for us this Christmas. May we take the time to slow our busy pace and let our restless hearts rest in you, the healer, and restorer of our hearts and souls. May we not forget why we celebrate CHRISTmas.
Amen
Let it be.
12 comments:
Thank you for this today, Mary. Love, kathy
More awesomeness from you!! Thanks so much for sharing...and, your dedication to spreading a great message.
Thank you Mary for these so truthful words that remind us to slow down and worship the Lord and Savior-the giver and reason for Christmas.
Ah, I love the ornament. We did the same thing with our girls when they were young and at home. Every year we bought them a new ornament for the tree and then when they got married we sent the box with them for their own tree. It's such special memories, seeing those ornaments again.
Have a great weekend friend!
♥Lee Ann
It is comforting to know that we all wrestle with the same issues...Even Augustine understood. I had to reread this three times because I have so much business going on in my head this Saturday morning..do you think God is trying to speak to me?
Thank you Mary. These are such words of comfort!
What an awesome heart you have sis, you bring such wisdom and joy to my heart...love you!
Oh how lovely these are!!! You my Sweet Sis,,, are God's silver lining on a cloud filled day...And~~~an EXTRA Blessing from Him in every way!!! Hugs Dena
PS::: Thanks for helping me learn even more about this Marvelous Advent Season of Christ's
Yes, my restless heart,
be still and find your home
and rest
in Him.
Thank you, Mary.
Loving these nourishing
bites.
-Jennifer
((((Mary))))
As always, just what I needed to hear today.
It sounds like my kids are the exact same ages as your grandkids. so fun. I'm feeling okay. just a little overwhelmed and tired. it always helps to come here and get fed.especially in this season. thank you. xxxooo
mmmm, bless you and thank you for the joyful spirit in which you remind us of HIS love and compassion for us....
I get so sad around Christmas time because of all the busyness and I get mad at myself because I know its not about the presents,dinners,decorating and everything else there is to do but its about Jesus. Thank you for the reminder to calm myself and just reflect on him.
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