Devotion - Monday, December 3

The calendars collide this time of the year.  In my readings this morning, I was directed to passages appropriate for the beginning of the season of Advent.  These next four weeks are to be given over to preparing our hearts, our lives, and our world for the arrival of God's Anointed One.  Yesterday was the First Sunday of Advent; there are three more to follow.

It is so very important that we prepare. 

I was a bit stronger in my presentation at the 8:30 services yesterday.  By 11:00 I had enough encounters with God's children, presenting themselves and seeking God's outpouring of grace, that I softened my tone.  Even Jonah discovered that God's tough words are conceived far from those to whom we intend to speak them.  When he get up close and among them, Jonah's convictions were confirmed, that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and Jonah's harsh message melted away.

Realizing yesterday the needs among God's children for a word of Grace,  I had lost the harsh edge by the time we got to the 11:00 service.

Earlier, when it was just me and my thoughts, I had introduced the season of Advent by saying, "Unless there is a need in your life for the arrival of Messiah, why should Messiah come?"  This morning, I am once again alone with my thoughts, and so I return to the harsh and sometimes critical question of "Are you making any room for the Babe?"

God is gracious and merciful.  And (following a Christmas theme) he will love you even if you have been naughty.  It isn't that God punishes the naughty, it is their own actions which block the inflow of God's presence and thus leave them with a life less than God would offer.

Don't come up short.  Don't receive a sample and think "This is enough."  Prepare your heart and your life for the arrival of God's Anointed One.  Move deeply into the season of Advent.

Yes, Christmas is coming.  I know, you are entering exam period.  There are conflicting calendars and events compete for our attention.  But don't allow Advent to be the one that takes it on the chin.  Look carefully and discern where Christ needs to become a part of your life, then welcome Christ in.