It’s nearly Christmas. In a whirlwind world, don’t we long for slowing—even stopping? Let’s do it! Let’s slow and stop and turn to the One who refreshes our souls with a good long drink of love and joy and peace. The fountain is always flowing, even when it’s freezing outside our homes or inside our hearts. God is the fount of every blessing.
Here are some things that have helped me drink deep of His goodness this month that I offer to you:
Read the story of Christ’s birth (Matthew 1:18 – 2:12). Read it slowly. Ponder each line. Talk with God about each line. For example, v. 18 says, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about; His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” Imagine you were Mary. Imagine that you knew you were pregnant but that the pregnancy was humanly impossible. What would you think and feel? Share what you would think and feel with God. Sit quietly for a moment, asking God to fill YOU with something miraculous of the Holy Spirit.
Go outside some clear night this week. Take a few minutes to stargaze. Ponder the vastness of the universe and give thanks to God who created it and holds it in perfect position. Let yourself feel your smallness and vulnerability, as well as the certainty that God has you in perfect position too—holding you, moving you, caring for you. And if you’re daring like me—dress real warm, take a comforter, and lay down looking up for a while. So fun! You might even be tempted to make a snow angel! (If there’s no snow, just pretend!) I dare you. I dare you to let yourself giggle as you flap angel wings!
Gaze upon something you think is beautiful. Realize God creates and gives all things beautiful. Realize that the creator of all beauty is beautiful beyond description, beyond imagination. Stop for a few moments, give thanks, and ask Him to fill you will His beauty.
As you wrap and unwrap gifts, stop and ponder—even for a minute—the gift He has given us in Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger, unwrapped for crucifixion at the cross, wrapping us now and forevermore in His wondrous love. Give Him thanks for wrapping—and unwrapping—and wrapping forever.
Try something new that comes to you!
Try slowing and stopping and turning to receive the greatest gift ever! He’s here—just waiting with eager anticipation for us to open and discover true love and joy and peace.
