Have you ever had to wait for something? Not just anything but for that one thing you’ve been longing for? I know I have!
When I was a child I could not WAIT for Christmas morning to get here. I would wake up and make sure my brother and parents were awake because the waiting was over. It was time for PRESENTS! It felt like my parents would take forever to get ready to go downstairs. Before we could rush down the stairs we would have to sit and wait at the top while my dad went to make sure the coast was clear. We sat there waiting and then finally he would call us down. We would fly downstairs into the living room where the celebration would begin!
One year my father “stumbled across Santa” still putting out our gifts. We heard a crazy commotion and my dad yelling, “Come back! Wait!” We ran in the room as the door slammed shut. We had JUST missed Santa! What?!? How he managed to get away so fast, I’ll never know. If we hadn’t waited at the top of the stairs we would have seen him!
Am I the only one that hates to wait? Waiting is hard, especially when we’re afraid we might miss the one thing that we really want - no - need. Over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born an entire nation was waiting for him. They had been waiting for generations, and yet, most of them completely missed him. Let’s not let that happen to us this year. Let’s pause in this busy time of year to reflect on this baby, Jesus, born in a manger. God’s Son...given for us all.
In these devotions, we will embark on a little ADVENTure. Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus...our Savior and long-awaited promise. We will journey through scripture to discover some of the incredible gifts God has given to us through Jesus. Gifts that are sitting there just waiting to be unwrapped. Each is a treasure and together they are priceless. We could all use more Joy, Peace, Love and Hope.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
How do you need to experience Jesus this year?
What do you most need? Joy, Peace, Love or Hope?
Take some time to listen to “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and reflect on the longing of this song. Are you longing for Jesus?
Week One: Introduction is part of an five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.