Read: Luke 1-2:41

Sing: Prepare Him Room

Always winter but never Christmas. C.S. Lewis sets out in his book to describe the state of Narnia. A place where there was always longing but never hope. As I thought on how it would have been to live in the time of silence, the 400 years where the prayers of the people " Come Lord," were answered with quietness, this quote came to mind.

The people waited. They longed for the coming of a rescue plan. They awaited Salvation. They waited for a King. Some, waited faithfully. We hear of their accounts from the gospels. Faithful servants, priests and wives, young men and old men alike. They awaited.

Its hard to wait 25 days for Christmas and we know (Lord willing) it is coming! We know what day, it is written on our calendar. The whole world knows the 25th is Christmas day. Yet, so many times as a believer, we find ourselves living without hope, as if in Narnia where it is always winter and never Christmas; as if we too,have been sitting in 400 years of silence. We live without the glorious truth of the birth, death and resurrection of the Savior and without the hope that He is coming again. We have the Word! The written account from men inspired by God, to ensure that we knew the history of Christ. 

Today, lets challenge ourselves and examine our hearts. What do our hearts look like this Advent? Not, what do we wish they look like, not where we hope to get too, but today...right now, where are we? Are we laying in wait as if the King has not yet come? Do we bear the same gloom of a perishing world in spite of the proclamations of the promises of God? Are we heralds?! Have we heard the Gospel news and now beam with such gladness that we are telling everyone... CHRISTMAS HAS COME!!!!! 

Can we "Advent," well?! Can our preparations turn our hearts to Him, can they be good tidings of great joy for all people? Can we find moments to spread the love of Jesus and an 'otherworldly' kindness to others...even if its just a smile and thank you to people at check outs? Can we pray over family gatherings and Christmas parties and holiday get togethers...that we could use this season to the glory of God? My prayer, is that we can be glimmers of joy that comes from a confidence in Christ this Christmas.