It’s the day after Christmas and maybe, like me, you’re wondering “now what” or you’re experiencing a little bit of the normal after-holiday let down. My family tends to procrastinate on the clean up, so from where I sit I can see opened presents, empty boxes and crumpled wrapping paper, and dishes from last night’s late night snack.
I also see four very melted candles on the Advent wreath. (Remind me not to put them under an air conditioning vent next year!) But, I found a reminder in the way they melted. The candles of hope, love, and peace have poured themselves into the Christ candle. How cool is that? We know Christ is filled with hope, love, peace, AND joy. How much does He want to fill us with the same? What are you needing Christ to fill you with this year?
Do you need hope? Christ has hope for you.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Do you need love? Christ loves you. He loves you SO much that He died for you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Maybe you need love toward someone? God calls us to love Him and to love each other (Matthew 22:36-39). When a person seems unloveable, ask Christ to help you forgive and to love that person.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8
Do you need peace? Christ promises to guard your heart and mind if you just ask!
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Or, do you need joy? You can find joy in Christ. If you have never accepted Christ as your personal Savior, do it today and share your good news with someone who can encourage you in your personal walk with Christ. If you know Christ, but find that’s life circumstances have left you without joy, then pray and ask Christ to show you the joy that can only be found in Him. He loves you so much!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12;1-2
Jesus brought HOPE to the world. He is our Good Shepherd who brings us PEACE. We celebrate His birth with JOY and remember that God sent His Son to earth because of His LOVE for us.
Thank you for walking through Advent with me this Christmas season. I hope you and your family were able to add a little “reason for the season” to your everyday activities.