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Home - The Journey Series - [December 20, 2024]

[December 20, 2024]

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A collective reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Friday, December 20, 2024
The Wait is Over

Luke 1:39-45, 56
 
As a little boy, I was so eager for the holidays to come. I loved the snow! We had two whole weeks off school, and the season was so magical and full of joy. As I grew up, that joy faded; the magic seemed to disappear. Then one December, I lost a family member I had really looked up to. So, for years since then, I have let the holidays come and go and haven’t experienced the joy of the season brings.
 
I read this passage in Luke, and it’s making me shift my thoughts about why I celebrate the Advent season. Reflecting on myself, I notice that the child-like joy they discuss in this passage is not the same joy I currently experience.
 
This year, a goal of mine is to find the true reason to celebrate. To remember that Advent is about God giving humanity a Savior and celebrating that the wait is over. Instead of taking joy in the things of this world – gifts, parties, food – I can take joy in knowing that God had me and you in mind when delivering us the only gift we truly need, Jesus. Knowing that Jesus is in our midst, we can experience a joy like that in Luke 1:41: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
 
I am that child leaping when I see Jesus with me.

By Aiden Turner


PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, thank you for the gift of joy. Lord, as we go through this season of Advent, I pray that you will revitalize our joy. Help us not just go through the motions of the holidays. I ask you to help us remember the true reason for Advent. As the Holy Spirit fills us, we create a ripple effect. Lord, thank you for keeping me in your heart when delivering your one and only Son. Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. With every bone of my body, I will praise you. Thank you.


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