Its the first day of Advent.
My year has been a crazy one. I feel like I’ve lost track of whole months. And truthfully, the Advent Season, December and Christmastime has snuck up on me like a gigantic flashing neon sign. Despite its obvious place on the calendar, I find myself completely unprepared. December’s days are packed, with events and gatherings, shopping and baking.
I’ve been dreading the possibility of sitting by my tree the day after Christmas, realizing it is all over, a really blurry memory that I didn’t even have time to take it in. And this thought leaves my cold, almost lifeless.
But, here’s what happened yesterday. and again today. I decided to NOT put up all the Christmas decorations. not yet. Yesterday would have normally been the perfect day for it, but I opted out. I was searching for a way that my head and heart could catch up with the calendar.
And this is what I did. I got out my nativity scene. It was the only decoration I wanted to see.
Sitting here in my living room, looking at the figurine of Mary holding the baby Jesus, there is a warmth that surrounds me and fills me. This is the only true reason to celebrate Christmas: Jesus, the hope of all mankind, took on a cloak of human flesh, fulfilling prophecies and bringing promise for the nations.
Here, with the lights low, sitting in my rocking chair, I’m reminded of the greatest gift to earth. Wrapped in a blanket, held in His mother arms, I rehearse just a few of the wonderful things he brought to us : peace, joy, love, forgiveness, mercy and so much more. As I focus my heart on Him, I realize I have all I need to make my Christmastime complete. My heart slows, my mind clears and I find Him at the center.
This is what I need. This is all I need.
What an amazing way to begin the Advent season! Jesus first.
amen.
daily portion 