advent

Advent is here. The arrival of Jesus' birth. We wait in expectation of what is to come. Jesus has already been born and died and then raised again, but He's coming back. The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to come quick and go by fast. For many they are filled with booked calendars and endless to do's. I don't think that's the kind of life Jesus was talking about when He mentioned giving us life to the full as counter to the enemy's plan in John 10:10.
​

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

​This time of year is a good time for us to take a step back and consider our pursuits as well as our priorities. Do they line up with what Jesus has called me to? Does my life reflect God's glory? When we answer these questions honestly we may realize we want to move into the New Year differently. Enter New Year's resolutions.

What if we had these times of reflection throughout the year? How would our lives look different? What keeps us from taking time to reflect and be still more often?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and has been for a long time. My parents have hosted it for as long as I can remember for both sides of my family, all together. I learned a lot about hospitality through watching and helping my family through the years. This year as I was driving to my parents on Thanksgiving, I couldn't help but smile at how deserted the roads and many stores were on my way. The hustle and bustle had all stopped and the thought of so many people spending time with their people brought me great joy. It was a special place in time when no one was competing for the front spot at the grocery store or the last item off the shelf. People were present where they were, not afraid of what they might be missing out on. This I believe is what Jesus meant when He promised us life to the full. And I know this moment was short lived as many stores now open in the afternoon on Thanksgiving, but yet there was still a moment. 

​I have been challenged lately to create more of these moments for myself even when the world around me isn't in agreement. God can handle me taking a rest and refreshing my soul even when the to do list is still full. Is it possible that I can be of greater use to Him when I do take the time to rest and reflect?

​This Advent season is the perfect time to make that a reality. Get in the word. Pour out your heart to the Lord. Remember what your purpose is, or perhaps find it for the first time. As you write your lists and do your shopping, I hope you will remember that the greatest gift is in fact God sending His son Jesus for you and for me. And beyond that, we have received many other gifts from whom every good gift comes.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

​If you are looking for an Advent devotional, I would highly recommend "Our Gift-giving God" by my good friend Andrea Kim (available on Amazon here). It is sure to remind you of God's great gifts and call you to greater things as you receive them again and again.

Hope your Christmas is wonderful and as always, never stop growing.

Regan