May you be filled with the wonder of the season
Pastoral Points
We’re down to the last few days before Christmas!
Perhaps you’re so deep into final preparations that you can only think about the next week or so. Even during our busyness, this is a time of year for looking both forward and back. We celebrate what has already happened, and we look ahead to what’s yet to come.
At the holidays, we look back. We consider the year that’s past and give thanks for all the blessings that came our way. We might think about our accomplishments, our shortcomings, and the people who loved and supported us through all of it. All those pieces of our lives come together to shape us into the people we become.
At the holidays, we also look forward. We are eager to adorn our homes and businesses with the cheerful warmth of twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments. We anticipate gathering with family and friends for festive meals and joyous celebrations. And we wonder what the year ahead may bring.
At Christmas, God’s people look back to what God did 2,000 years ago, when the Word became flesh and dwelled among us. God himself came be one of us, to live among us, to share our experiences. And he came to suffer, die and live again — all in order to save us from sin and death. What an astounding gift he has given us!
At Christmas, God’s people also look forward to what God still has in store for us. We anticipate his return, not as a helpless baby this time, but in power and glory, to set everything right and make all things new. To bring his kingdom to its fulfillment and usher all his people into eternal life in his very presence.
Advent and Christmas are a reflection of our whole Christian lives. We are always looking back to the wondrous things God has already done for us, and looking forward to the even more glorious things God has in store for us.
So, throughout your Advent and Christmas celebrations, may you be filled wi wonder at the love of a God who comes so near. May you rejoice in the blessings that surround you even now. And may you find hope in the beautiful