Making Space – An Advent DevotionalParaugs

The Best List

Lists. That’s usually how I start Christmas prep. Gift lists, party guest lists, menu lists, baking lists. I love pen and paper and checking off the to-do’s (Any other prehistoric, pre-app folk with me on that one?).

But there’s another kind of Christmas prep.

The heart kind. The hard kind. (Is there a difference, really?)

Backtrack from the Nativity, and you’ll read a birth announcement for a baby boy. Not Jesus, but his cousin, John - Zechariah and Elizabeth’s unexpected blessing. 

John, meaning “God is Gracious.” John, whose main calling was to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17).

This Advent let’s take a “John” moment. Let’s be a people prepared for the coming of the Messiah.

Let’s clear the clutter for Christ.

Sure, we can still make those lists. But let’s also take a moment to listen.

Because when we listen intentionally and expectantly to our Creator, we give Him an opportunity to change us.

I confess to being a Christmas-o-holic and love my Christmas cookies, carols and crafts. But I want Christmas to be more than that. Much more than that.

May our focus on Christ make Christmas all the sweeter this year. 

Prayer

Father, this Advent season I come before you with an open heart. I long to hear from you. I long to behold Christ in all His beauty. Help me shut out the distractions so I can be fully devoted to You. Amen