This past weekend, my husband and I hosted our children and grandchildren for our annual Christmas celebration, complete with Turkey and all the fixings. Even though we celebrate a couple of weeks before Christmas Day, I always marvel at the fact that it still feels like Christmas Day, even though it’s actually not. I confess, it used to bother me, but then, as the years went on, I realized it’s not about a number on the calendar; it’s about being surrounded by loved ones and enjoying each other’s company. This year was extra special with two additional grandchildren adding to the joy.
The children patiently waited to open up their gifts. As the children get older, their gifts become a little more expensive, so that they might receive one gift, while the littles receive two. This was a challenging concept for my precious grandson to understand, and although his response to his gift was one of sheer happiness and gratitude, once that joy settled, he was focused on the fact that others received two gifts, but he only got one.
Have you ever done that, even as an adult? Have you been more focused on the Christmas gifts and what you might receive than on the joy of the season? It can happen to the best of us, truly…
When Israel traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, led by God Himself, they were more focused on the food than on being in fellowship with the Lord. How convicting is that? The Israelites were more interested in what God might provide rather than spending time with Him. Sadly, even many years later, when Jesus walked among the people, they were seeking signs rather than Jesus Himself.
During Advent, let us be intentional about seeking the Lord, rather than allowing the magic of the holiday to consume us. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the nostalgia of Christmas, including the lights, buying presents, gift wrapping, decorating the Christmas tree, attending Christmas parties, and making Christmas cookies. Still, we must be careful not to allow those things to take priority over the most valuable gift we have ever received, and that is salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth that very first Christmas Day.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why you should open the gift of His living Word this Advent season.
Jesus is the Bread of Life
"It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,'" Matthew 4:4
Modern-day believers don’t have the privilege of being in God’s midst, whether it be a fire by night, a cloud by day, or walking with Jesus Himself in the flesh. BUT we do share in the presence of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who speaks to our hearts and acts as our interpreter of the Word. Think about that! Not only are we invoking the presence of God when we open our Bibles, BUT the Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand all that we are reading.
Have you ever experienced a dry period spiritually, where you are so consumed by the day-to-day activities that you wonder why God seems distant? Or do you find yourselves in the throes of besetting sin and you wonder, “Why am I acting like this??” The answer to both of those introspective questions is starvation. You have not been consuming the bread of life, the Living Word, the sustainer of you as a Believer. Instead, you have allowed the busyness of life to leave your Bible ignored, OR you just haven’t even thought about picking it up, consumed in your own way.
We need the Words of Life just as much as we need breakfast in the morning. It fuels us spiritually not only to marvel at all the Lord has done, is doing, and will do, but it also gives us a lifeline to the Greatest Gift, Jesus. How much more should we open the gift of His Living Word than during Advent? To ponder how every part of the Bible, from the Old to the New Testament, points to Jesus, the Author and Sustainer of Life!
This Advent, may you savor the Word of God and ponder, like Mary, all that you learn about Jesus and treasure it in your heart.
God Provides Through His Living Word
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalm 119:105
Unfortunately, the days leading up to Christmas can be very stressful, with to-do lists a mile long in preparation for the big day, cold and flu season ramping up, final exams, travel home, and finishing tasks at work to enjoy the holiday. We get so caught up in our to-do lists that they become the priority. The stress of it all brings about exhaustion and maybe even a resentment of the days leading up to Christmas.
What if instead of starting our day with our feet hitting the floor and rushing off to do, we opened the gift of His Living Word, allowing Him to provide the wisdom concerning His will for the day, the strength to accomplish those tasks He is leading us in and the peace to rest in Him throughout the day EVEN in the midst of the busyness.
We tend to make things difficult for ourselves, don’t we? Yet we have God’s living Word to guide us every day. Not only that, we can receive the gift of good tidings, comfort, and joy by spending time in God’s Word.
How wonderful this Advent season would be to bask in the Glory of God as we anticipate the birth of His Son, Jesus, by opening up the gift of His provision through His Living Word.
A Fresh Encounter with Jesus
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
I’ll admit it. I love gifts. I’m not a fan of receiving gift cards. There’s something about receiving a hand-picked gift and knowing the time and effort the person put into picking out the perfect gift for me. It makes it that much more special.
How special is the gift of God’s Word, which He wrote for us as His love letter all those years ago? As we open the pages of Scripture, we learn there about the greatest gift from God: the gift of His Son, Jesus.
I’m sure you’ve all experienced it. Reading a verse you might have read a couple of years ago and having it speak to you in a whole new light! God’s Word is indeed alive and active.
When you approach reading the Bible as opening the gift of God’s Living Word, you will find that each day brings a new gift… a fresh encounter with Jesus. When you consume the Word of God with expectation every day, you will see a change in yourself. The Lord will continue to transform you with each day’s gift from His Word.
Just as we have all enjoyed Advent calendars, where each door reveals a delectable piece of candy, this Advent season, we can daily open the gift of God’s Living Word and receive the sweet savor of a fresh encounter with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
May this Advent Season bring you nourishment from the Word, spiritual provision for your days, and fresh encounters with Jesus. A habit you can get into in the new year and beyond. After all, Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thank you, Father, for the Gift of Your Son. Help us to honor Him by opening the gift of Your Living Word, especially during this Advent season. In Jesus' Name, Amen
How will you stay disciplined during this Advent season to remain in the Word?
If you’ve already been opening the gift of His living Word this Advent season, where have you seen Him nourish you, provide for you, and give you a fresh revelation?
Photo credit: Pexels/Denis Gvozdov
