Christ: The Treasure of Our HeartsSample

Advent is a wonderful time of expectation as we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior. To be expectant is to hope for something exciting that is in front of us. While we look back on Christ’s birth some 2,000 years ago, the Advent season allows us to have childlike faith and imagine what it would have been like to anticipate the birth of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the coming incarnation of Jesus, Mary was initially fearful. Still, after the promise of God was declared, fear was replaced with rejoicing. Imagine our emotions if we had been there with Mary.

In the busyness of the Christmas season, it is easy to become weary when our focus is on the wrong presents. This world moves rapidly, and we can become tired of the race we call life. Marketing campaigns pull at our attention from every angle, and in a season of hope, we can despair. When our hope is in Jesus, the cares of this world fade away. The marketing campaigns are not as bright, and we become increasingly content with the presence of Christ. As the words from Isaiah read, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” We do not endure just by trying harder, which can lead to greater burnout. The key to spiritual endurance is to put our hope in Christ and allow His presence to lift our burdens and instill His peace.

Are you weary this Advent season? Hope in Jesus because He can turn your fear into rejoicing and provide strength for the journey. Those who hope in Christ will not fail, for He shall be their strength.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the hope we have in your Son, Jesus. You know my needs, and you see that I am weary. When I am tempted to think that my strength will lift me up, remind me that you are the wind beneath my wings. Breathe afresh into every area of my life as you are my sustainer. I love you, Father, and I thank you for supplying all my needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joshua Nangle, D.Min. serves as director of operations for the Regent University School of Divinity.