Thursday, December 09, 2010

Loving Jesus in the busy Christmas season

As a child we have a love hate relationship with the anticipation of Christmas' arrival. We love the decorations and getting ready to throw the best birthday party we can for the birth the baby Jesus. Ah but it is so hard to wait, we hate buying presents for others while we have to wait to see what Santa is going to bring us.

When we become adults all of this simply turns into tasks to cross off a list during the busiest time of year. That is why it is always good to receive the corrective of a simple Jesus focus. In the midst of being Martha's will we find time to be Mary's? It is good to have parties but do we remember we are throwing them to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. It is good to buy presents but do we remember we give gifts because the Father gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son.

The Mosaic Study Bible lists a compilation of verses, from the three year church liturgy cycle, to focus us during this season on actively anticipating Jesus' coming. I love the flow of the readings from those in exile waiting for God's blessings to our current day sufferings and waiting for God to take us home! May these Scriptural readings bless you in your relationship with Jesus.

  • Zephaniah 3.14-20
  • Psalm 126
  • 1 Thessalonians 6.12-24
  • Luke 3.7-22
  • John 16.5-15
  • Romans 8.18-30

You might want to consider the following application questions as you meditate on God's word:

  • Listen—what is the Lord saying to you through this study?
  • Adore—how can you love Jesus more through what you have learned?
  • Obey—how can you cooperate with His leading; how does He want to move in your life as you apply these truths, on which you have been meditating?

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