Plan Ahead
Isaiah 40:3
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!" Amen.
Advent Prayer Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Advent season is a time of expectant waiting, it is a time of preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord. On Day 1 we remembered that Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season, but today’s scripture reminds us we should prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare and renew a place in your heart for Jesus to reside. Prepare so you will recognize Jesus, and so others will see Jesus in you. Prepare to share His love. As Henri Nouwen says in his Advent Prayer above it is important for us to “seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.”
This season is also a time of festivities. The month of December is chock full of parties, events, school programs, shopping, caroling, and decorating and baking. There is so much crammed into a short span of days that it would be very easy to forget something or someone.
I am an obsessive list-maker. When I write my lists it gives me a sense of control. I know - I know, the misconception of having any control at the holidays may make you laugh. But, I have learned by making my “To Do” lists.
This task forces me to look ahead, to plan out what my goals are, to see what needs to be done. Every day after I complete items I achieve a great sense of accomplishment in crossing them off my list. I find that when I make my list I may be forced to choose between several worthwhile things, but knowing in advance helps to alleviate some of the stress that is inevitable with the season. Another benefit to planning ahead is to deliberately plan time for preparing your heart and taking care of yourself.
On this second day of Christmas, plan time each day to seek quiet spaces to hear God every day.
Posts
1 comment:
Quiet spaces are few and far between in this day and age! Thanks for the reminder. I found myself just sitting in my car listening to music the other day when i got home from work. I knew the craziness would begin when I popped open that garage door, so I just paused. It felt good.
Post a Comment