It's hard to believe it's been nearly a month since I last posted. Needless to say the past several weeks have been crazy busy, which is why I have had little time so sit down long enough to process a thought, much less write about it. Somehow I have managed to do so today. Right here. Right now.
So here it is, two days after Thanksgiving with Christmas fast approaching, and as usual, my heart longs to make this season linger as long as possible. As much as I love Christmas and all the nostalgia and tradition that accompanies it, there is still a part of me that is saddened a little more every year as I realize that so much of how we celebrate the birth of Jesus really does very little to touch the heart of God. And as the objects of His deepest affection, isn't that what we should be about in everything we do ~ touching His heart?
There is nothing inherently wrong with buying (or making) and exchanging gifts, nor is there anything evil about the parties, cookie exchanges, school and church programs, and other festivities that we engage in to celebrate Christmas.
But as we spend hours standing in lines, baking cookies, and attending all the functions of the season, and while we are doling out hard-earned dollars for gifts, cards, and decorations, may we regain a sense of the purpose for which He came.
"...the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:1-3
This is what touches the heart of God. This is why He came here in the first place. This is how we should celebrate His coming ~ to fulfill His purposes in our generation. His plans and purposes have not changed. They remain as they were in the beginning.
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations."
Psalm 33:11
