“… but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Advent is the season that calls us to wait. Advent marks the start of a season of preparation that looks forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ. We light the candles of hope, faith, joy, peace, and the Christ candle is lit on Christmas Day. Christ is the gift that we anticipate and celebrate. It is a season of waiting and expectation. It feels as if this year has been preparation and practice in the art of waiting. Christ is the gift that we anticipate and celebrate. We say that Jesus is always the reason for the season. And this year has been a season.
Jesus is still the reason for the season, even if our celebrations aren’t the same. Whether we gather physically or virtually, it’s all done in Jesus’ name. Jesus is still the reason for the season and always brings the greatest gift from above. God gave us the gift of God’s son completely covered in love. Jesus is the reason for the season, even as we’re doing things we’ve never had to do before. It presents the opportunity to be creative and appreciate this season even more. I believe this season has deepened our appreciation for each other. Let’s continue to seek ways to be encouraging to one another. Give yourself the gift of grace and be loving with yourself. Doing this will allow you to extend this to someone else.
Jesus is the reason for every season, and we celebrate in His name. We’re also reminded, no matter what, the real work of Christmas will always remain.
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
Dr. Howard Thurman
Blessed to be a blessing to you,
Rev. Sheila P. Spencer
Rev. Sheila P. Spencer is an author, poet, teacher and preacher. You can contact her at CustomMadeInspiration@gmail.com and her website is www.sheilapspencer.com.
