Interrupted by Christmas

December 5, 2023

What is one of the first things you do every year that reminds you of Christmas?

For years when my three children still lived at home, we set up an Advent wreath with candles to light and read a devotional to focus our attention on the birth of Jesus and to anticipate his coming again. After all, Jesus is the reason we devote a month out of the year to everything Christmas. My husband and I still observe this practice for the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas. (And now we don’t have to compete with our kids to take a turn to light the candles or worry they are going to set something on fire besides the candle. Thank God for the person who invented battery operated candles for you parents of young kids!)

Since I also love to decorate for Christmas, filling our house with lights, wreaths, Christmas trees and so MANY other things brings me much joy. But I will admit, it also distracts me from sitting still long enough to enjoy the Christmas music, a favorite Christmas movie, or reading the Bible in my “not so quiet time.” There is also a myriad of to-do’s calling my name on my Christmas month of preparations - including baking cookies yesterday for my husband’s mens group and tasting a few too. (Yes to scrolling and trying every new Pinterest cookie recipe! Hah)

Adjusting our regular schedules during Advent reminds me of the importance of interruptions to our lives. You could even say that without the interruption of Christmas, we would not be here in this place, at this moment. How might God purpose to interrupt your life this month? And how will you respond?

HOPE is our first week’s theme for Advent.

“I pray that that God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

We know that the hope of a weary world in anticipation of a Messiah came to fruition in the birth of Jesus. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

As you reflect on the hope of Christ this week, invite Him to fulfill your longings and expectations. Interrupting your life to be still long enough to hear him speak will fill you with the confident hope that only trusting Him can bring.

(Note: If you’re still looking looking for a guide to use for Advent, check out www.bridgepointfl.com for “Behold - a 28 Day Advent Devotional.”)