Christmas Already?

Oh my, we are in the middle of the Advent season and Christmas is nigh upon us!  Do the years seem to be speeding up, or am I just slowing down?

Memories of past Christmases are sweet.  
I love to ponder the Christmas choirs, dramas, gatherings, and gifts of years gone by.  In the midst of reflecting, one feeling stands out above the rest: the “holy hush” I used to feel on Christmas Eve, which still floods my heart with awe.  How about you? 
Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

Seated in church with family and friends, enveloped by festive décor and traditional hymns, I experienced an expectancy which was tangible.  A joyous hush would blanket the congregation at the annual candle light service.  As if pure and gentle snow fell upon us, we were bound together in silent reverie, awaiting the tolling of the bells at midnight.  No other night felt so “holy.” 

And now, decades later, I’m still thankful to our loving God who prompts that holy hush by giving the best gift ever!  Despite the stress of holiday schedules, and numerous “to-do” lists, I dare not miss the true meaning of the season…that Christmas is about the birth of JESUS.  And He was born with a mission to seek and save the lost.

Take a minute to ponder with me some scriptures that point to Christ’s arrival, His purpose and His love. The apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian church the following:  “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:4) 

In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, so we could be adopted into His family!

 The prophet Isaiah wrote centuries before that holiest of nights:  “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)  

In the fullness of time, God sent a Savior, the Prince of Peace!

            Then Paul exhorted the church at Rome with these words: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) 

           In the fullness of time, God sent a Redeemer to pay for our sins!

Have you received Jesus as Lord, Savior and Redeemer?  This Christmas could be the “fullness of time” in your life.  May you know His healing grace and life-giving love.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!