As we are approaching this advent season it is always a great time to take a moment to reflect on what we want to get out of advent. I know we each have traditions within our families that make the holidays so special, and Christmas never disappoints within our family. Growing up, Christmas was always a time that we spent with not only our immediate family, but our extended family as well. Driving through the night in weather that we should have turned around in so we could carry out the traditions with them all.
A couple of my favorite traditions are opening one gift from under the tree after our Church Christmas play “if we did good.” We always open gifts on Christmas Eve after the service while eating our favorite appetizers. All sleeping in the same room or in front of the tree (Yes, we still do that with my siblings) and waking up to stockings on Christmas morning. As Rusty and I have raised our own kids, we have picked our favorite family traditions to carry on in our own home. My kids have grown up knowing the story of Saint Nicholas but still have so much fun with Santa, knowing that Santa is really Popa (their grandpa). That, of course, makes it easy to drop hints throughout the year of what Santa might bring. Amongst all the fun traditions our goal within our home is always to approach Christmas with an intention to maximize the true coming of our Savior.
What does that look like for you?
Isaiah 11:1-2 and 10
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
10 At that time, here is what the man who is called the Root of Jesse will do. He will be like a banner that brings nations together. They will come to him. And the place where he rules will be glorious
Matthew 1:23
23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”).
We see in both the Old and New Testament the anticipation of Christ coming. Take a deep breath and think of how you want to anticipate celebrating the birth of Christ this season. Starting with some Christmas music, one of my favorite ways that brings excitement for the upcoming season, I encourage you to listen to this song “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him” as we prepare our hearts for this advent season.
O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
[Chorus]
O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
[Verse 2]
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heav’n above
Glory to God, glory in the highest
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
[Chorus]
O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
O sing hallelujah
Come let us adore Him
O sing hallelujah
Come let us adore Him
[Verse 3]
Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Blessings,
Pastor Jordan