Many of us are focused on the beautiful part of this season – the gift of giving! It is such a joy to think of those we love and what we can share with them. We work hard to keep quiet about the excitement and not “spill the beans” of what we are going to give. We cannot wait to have a filled spot under the Christmas tree. But I want to challenge you to do something for yourself this Advent week.
Slow down just a bit and receive…
As adults, some of us find it harder to receive. It shows both in how we accept gifts and in how we take time for ourselves. But I beckon you to remember that…
God, our Father in Heaven, wants to give you gifts too. Gifts greater and more costly than anything you can buy for under the Christmas tree.
He gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus, born a helpless baby on Christmas and then brutally crucified on Good Friday. This gift is given to you but awaits you to receive and accept deeply into your soul.
Though your to-do list is screaming at you and your calendar is packed full, please allow yourself to receive a gift from God this week:
Take time this week to just be still.
Set a calendar appointment for yourself if needed.
Spend time in prayer just listening to God.
Find a quiet place away from all distractions including your phone.
Physically open your hands as a gesture to better receive from God.
Close your eyes to sense how much He speaks to you in the quiet.
Embrace in your heart His love and allow yourself to feel Him presence.
Focus on your breathing and on the gift of life flowing from God to you.
Allow yourself to just be still and do not rush through this time with God.
By allowing yourself to receive this gift you will be better able to give yourself to your family and to survive the demands of this preparation time.
May your family have a very blessed Advent season as you prepare to receive the Savior in a new way this Christmas!
Author: Laura Stephens
