The Advent Adventure- 7 Days to Christmas: Awaiting Joy
Click here to watch the video in a new window
“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
One week until we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! It is hard to believe it is already here upon us. For all of the parents and grandparents out there, this news may spark some dread and fear. Having to wrap all the presents, stuff all the stockings, assemble the dollhouses, and build the bikes can take a lot of time and effort. On top of that, you will have some nosy kids trying to get a sneak peek into what gifts they are getting this year. Hopefully, this Christmas doesn’t fill you with anxiety but rather joy. It will be much easier to focus on that if you are able to visualize the excitement and jubilation your kids will have on Christmas morning opening presents.
As a kid, there was nothing more magical than waking up on Christmas morning. Gathering near the tree with all the presents waiting to be opened brought about a tremendous sense of wonder and joy. Part of the excitement was not knowing what we were about to receive. There was a remarkable sense of anticipation as you watched each member of the family open their gifts, wondering what gift you might receive. As adults, we have a lot to recapture from our youth to experience the full meaning of Joy: the biggest joy didn’t come from what we received on Christmas but what we were going to receive.
Taking this principle and applying it to our lives, we can begin to see what joy looks like. Our joy in Christ is partly because of what He brought us on Christmas 2000 years ago, but a huge part of it is what is still coming soon! Jesus’ return will bring in a new, unspeakable joy. 1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Even though we have not physically met Jesus, there is a time coming when we will. Advent reminds us of the joyous occasion of Christ's birth and the even greater joy-filled time we will have when He returns to set all things right. We will have to wait, like kids, the night before Christmas in eager anticipation of the wonderful gifts we will receive.
Christmas is fast approaching, and this Advent, we are reminded that Christmas comes with Christ, and His coming ushers in a new understanding of joy. Please take time to dwell on Christ’s return and the wonders to come. Revelation 21:4 speaks to His return, saying, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Praise God for the coming joy we will experience!
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.