Each December God’s people return.
We return to The Story. We revisit the manger.
Tucked into Luke 8 is an account of Jesus returning to a seaside community where he frequently gathered to teach, reach, help, and heal. Luke speaks of a large crowd of disciples and a great many people seeking, searching, finding . . .6:17-18
After being away for awhile ministering in the region of Gerasenes, Luke tells us, “when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.” (Luke 8:40)
As I am beginning to prep for my journey to Bethlehem this year, this verse leapt out and landed on my heart.
Am I expecting Jesus to show up this Christmas? Like really, really show up!
Am I prepared to welcome him?
This Advent, I unearthed 25 phrases (not verses) from Luke chapter 1.
I jotted them down and cut them into slips.
Each day, I am going to light a candle or sit in the glow of our Christmas tree and pick one phrase.
I will ask Jesus to use it to speak into my fears and tears, my hope and my heart.
It will become my prayer for that day.
As Christmas returns may I be ready.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
If you would like a copy of these Luke 1 phrases for your Christmas journey, drop me a note at Brenda@runhardrestwell.org. Some of the phrases, taken from the Holman Christian Study Bible, include: “Now listen!” (Luke 1:20) “I am the Lord’s” (Luke 1:38) “mindful of His mercy” (Luke 1:54). December 1st is just around the corner. Christmas blessings to you each day!
Onward!
We are a group of passionate people who gather around the 4-word mission statement, “Run Hard. Rest Well.”
- It’s a journey into the heart of God. It comes our way through an ongoing exploration of four biblical rhythms that revive, replenish and restore: Sabbath Keeping, Sleep (and other simple stress-reducers), Stillness—personal retreat, and Solitude—personal retreat.
- It’s an expedition that challenges us at every turn. It convicts us in deep, tender places. It alters our priorities and plans. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- It’s adventure at its best – as we learn to run our race in a power not our own.
The holiday season has been difficult….the last number of months. More and more I hear Jesus say “rest”. This is not in the sense of do nothing or rest your body, but in the sense of “come unto Me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” I need soul rest. I find it in the green pastures, and beside still waters. I find it in the manger and on the hillside as He says “blessed are the poor in spirit”. I find it in the eyes of my Savior and Lord.
In the manger and on the hillside.
Eyes on Jesus.
His arms are open wide!
Praying for our weariness, our longing, our journey.