I remember as a youngster how my sister and brother and I would look forward to summer when we were going to get to journey to Texas to see our grandmother. As soon as school was over, we knew that the time would be short before we would make that journey. And so, we would pack up the car and head out on what for us was a three-day trip. And it was always a wonderful experience to be with our grandma and other relatives during what always seemed too short of a visit. Then we would head back to California and in some way we were different. We had made that journey, and the experience always changed us positively in some way. I’ve thought about that as we are beginning this Advent season, which is really a journey for us to Christmas. We hear the account and sing the songs and enjoy all that the season will bring to our hearts. But this is a journey that we really have looked forward to all year long. In our hearts and minds we will make our own journey to Bethlehem. For some it will be little more than a glance in that direction. For others it will be a journey of the heart to stand with those whose stories are told in these weeks leading to Christmas day. And for some, we will be different. Here too we have had the chance to go to Bethlehem and experience the joy and the wonder of Christmas and see in person the embodiment of the love of God for us and to us. So in the midst of all the busyness of this season, don’t miss the journey and most importantly make sure you actually make it Christmas…the real Christmas this year. Because when you do, your heart will be different, and it will be good. Make the trip this advent season and welcome not only the day, but the person of Christmas…this Jesus of the Bible. It is worth the trip. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Luke 2:15-16 BSB When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Luke 2:15-16 BSB When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (16) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ