’tis The Season

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

“’Tis the season.” That is my go-to response this time of year for all manner of things. Most often it is spoken wistfully and with a tinge of irony as I watch some of my holiday expectations implode or see a few of my best-laid plans go suddenly astray, despite all the laughter, fun, and joy we pack into the few short weeks between now and Christmas morning.

Don’t get me wrong; I love Christmas. But . . .

’Tis the season for becoming overwhelmed with unattainable expectations—my own and others’.

’Tis the season for the strain of strep that took its sweet time (three consecutive weeks) to roll through my household one year, picking us off one by one.

’Tis the season for mentally counting down the days while I buy gifts, send cards, bake cookies, and attend to a myriad of traditions, hoping to get it all done in time.

And ’tis the season for becoming so consumed with the hustle and bustle that I forget to take in the wonderment of God coming to earth in the most perfectly beautiful way possible.

As much as I enjoy Christmas, I’ve come to appreciate the season of Advent deeply. It is an invitation to pause amid the hurry and scurry, an opportunity to breathe deeply in quiet anticipation as we await the hope that Christ Jesus fulfilled through his birth, life, and sacrificial death on the cross as an atonement for our sins, bringing us back into right standing with our heavenly Father. It’s a time of reflection and repentance free from all the trappings of an overly commercialized season.

Spending a bit of time each day in Advent wonderment keeps me grounded and ensures that my heart remains soft as I check off all the necessary tasks during this busy time of the year. It helps me stay flexible as plans inevitably go awry, allowing me to keep perspective, maintain an attitude of gratitude, and hold onto my joy.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Pray that God would speak to your heart in a deeply personal way as you wait with joyful anticipation on the cusp of this Advent season.