Advent Reading
Psalm 113; 1 Samuel 1:19-28; Luke 1:46-56
"The Magnificat reminds us that what we most value, all that gives us status - power, pride, strength, and wealth - can be a barrier to receiving what God has in store for us. If we are full of ourselves, there will be no room for God to enter our hearts at Christmas." (Kathleen Norris, God With Us)
All those things that we spend so much time on, all those things that we work so very hard to achieve, do not bring us lasting fulfillment. They were never meant to.
"Most people, if they have really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would be ordinarily called unsuccessful marriages, or holidays, or learned careers. I am speaking of the best possible ones. There was something we have grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in reality. I think everyone knows what I mean. The wife (or husband) may be a good wife, and the hotels and scenery may have been excellent, and chemistry may be a very interesting job: but something has evades us.
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." ~ C. S. Lewis
Father, help us leave room in our hearts for you. For truly you are what our hearts deepest desire is, even when we are unaware of it. If there is too little room for you because we have filled it with too many other things, show us what needs to go. May we make room for you this Christmas.
Amen
11 comments:
Your art with this post is just yummy. Had to enlarge it to enjoy all those layers and texturing. Heart to heart this Christmas, what could be better.
Your painting and the message is so well mixed.
Amen to your sermon~ Amen....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, AMEN!!! Mary, this one is absolutely fabulous--as all the rest are too but this one has such yummy colors and depth. I too had to enlarge it and drool!!!
I am amazed!
That quote by C.S. Lewis contains such truth ... a most blessed Christmas to you.
Those words are so deeply felt in my heart. It is so true that there is a void here on this earth that nothing can fill except being filled through our precious Heavenly Father. I think as we get older, we really understand that even better. Guess I'm too tired now to keep trying as often to fill it as often with things that don't matter! ha
Your art page here is B-e-a-u-t-f-u-l Mary!
Merry Christmas to you and yours and may love and joy surround you in great measure! Hugs from me!
♥Lee Ann
I'm grateful these days
for the fatigue that helps
keep me from running as long
and as far in my own strength.
I give up and surrender more readily.
This is a gift.
And, Mary, I'm SWOONING
over your art!!!
Caught my breath when I saw it.
Altogether beautiful.
Like you:)
-Jennifer
Mary, this is just beautiful! I love the colors, the depth - everything!
Beautiful!! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hello, Mary! This is beautiful, and so is your faith and your message. Thank you for asking about me ( I am doing well) and thank you for your inspiration. Merry Christmas, Mary! xo Kathy
Mary. Your beautiful painting reflects the message so well. You are a blessing to me!!
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