Today, I invite you to join me in celebrating this 4th Sunday of Advent. We’re almost to Jesus’ Birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final lit Advent candle marks the beginning of the final week before Christmas. The white candle represents purity and peace brought to the world by Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can take some lessons from Mary and Joseph. They proved peace can remain regardless of best or worst circumstances. They were \u201con-the-move\u201d to Bethlehem. Their baby was soon to be born and they needed a place to stay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no room in the inn. Maybe that’s a good thing or we wouldn\u2019t be singing \u201cAway in a manger, no crib for a bed\u201d or \u201cSweet little holy child, born in a manger\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For them \u2013 it was ALL about Jesus, the Son of God, being born. And so, it should be for us. In years past, my Christmas traditions were such a big deal to me — the inside and outside of the house looked like a Christmas store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I made dozens of cookies and candies to share with family and friends. I handwrote and mailed a flood of Christmas cards bearing my family\u2019s Christmas photo. I spent hours shopping for the just right gifts. Despite my best intentions to make Christ the center of our Christmas, hyper mode was my center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we look at this 4th Sunday of Advent, may we consider coming back to the principle thing! Personally, I am recalibrating my thinking to God\u2019s way of thinking which is the celebration of His Son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I let myself think it\u2019s about me, I\u2019d be in a tizzy that my Christmas traditions weren\u2019t being kept. Our lives, wants and desires should be wrapped around THE ONE Who we celebrate. This Christmas, I am determined to focus on Jesus\u2019 birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s ALL about the LIFE and the STAR of the Christmas Story, Mary\u2019s baby boy grew up to be our great I AM. \u201cI AM\u201d is our protector, our healer, our strength, our joy giver, our way-maker, truth-finder, and peace-provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since it\u2019s Christ\u2019s birthday, no matter how we decorate the house for His party and give out “favors” (gifts), it is still ALL about Him Who is always the LIFE of the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He has come to give life to everyone at His party. And, when we lean in even closer, we\u2019ll find that the LIFE of the party holds out Himself as the gift that keeps on giving. And the gift tag? It has our names on it. Oh, what a relief it is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI came that they may have life and have it abundantly.\u201d \u2014 Jesus (John 10:10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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