All You Want for ChristmasSample

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” - Luke 1:78-79

Think

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” The soft melodious words immediately bring to mind snow gently falling on Christmas lights and red ribbons and all the things that stir our longing for something more than cold weather and too much to do. Perhaps that is why we sometimes feel extra cranky when we are more disillusioned than enchanted during the season.

For what are we truly longing? We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, but what did that mean for those who were a part of the story? For Mary, it signaled a reversal of fortunes for the poor and lowly. For Zechariah, Jesus was a light in the darkness. The shepherds heard the angels announce peace on earth, and the Magi sought the true King. They longed for God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Apply

When you feel the stirring of Christmas delight, pause to wonder at God's greatest gift of all. When disenchantment creeps in, hold on to the hope we have in Jesus that the kingdom of God is so much more than fancy decorations, harmonious family gatherings, or the perfect meal with all the trimmings. Allow God’s tender mercy to break into your day and guide your feet into the way of peace.

Pray

Jesus, there is so much about this season that delights me, frustrates me, excites me, and exhausts me. Help me remember that there is so much more to reality than what I see now. Lord, you taught us to pray that your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let this prayer become my heart’s longing and the light that guides my way.

Author - Audrey Kanagy has served as pastor at Ridgeview Mennonite Church since the fall of 2018. She and her husband, Robert, are the parents of three sons and enjoy living along the Millstream.