As a child, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s were some of the most special and long-anticipated days of the year. These holidays have brought forth many traditions: remembering God’s work and giving thanks, enjoying my late grandma’s turkey dressing (and no, we will not be calling it ‘stuffing’), going Black Friday shopping with my dad, attending the Christmas Eve service at church, gathering with the entire family on Christmas Day, and celebrating New Year’s with friends.
Those holidays used to feel exciting, magical, and full of awe (thanks, Mom) – the anticipation and childlike wonder kept me awake on the nights leading up to Christmas. But somewhere along the way, that changed: wonder was replaced by worry, buried under packed schedules, adult responsibilities, and the quiet ache of missing people who aren’t here anymore. Life became full of constant movement and endless things to be done. It’s harder to be still now; harder to feel present and not constantly looking to the next thing. What once came so naturally now requires intention.
Where did the wonder go?
Yet even in the ache of what has changed, I also get to see new traditions begin. Extra stockings hung on the fireplace symbolize how our family is still growing, and Advent services invite us to pause and rest in the presence of Jesus.
Somewhere in the middle of grief and growth, the Holy Spirit is reorienting my heart through God’s Word. Reading Scripture each day has caused me to ponder the character of God and remember who He is and what He promises.
Isaiah 55:10-11 has frequently come to mind:
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Time spent in Scripture is never empty or meaningless. It brings us back to the humble trust and innate awe of a child. Pride and self-centeredness is slowly pruned away as we sit at the feet of Jesus.
Pondering the character of God has deepened my appreciation for the Gospel and for the way He has always desired a relationship with His people. It has ignited in me a renewed excitement and anticipation for the holidays, particularly the Advent of Christmas. The birth of Jesus means something profound for us. I’m reminded that God chose to come in the form of Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, who walked among us, experienced what we experience, yet was never overcome by it. I rejoice as I’m reminded of His faithfulness. The longing anticipation for what is to come has rekindled childlike wonder in my restless heart.
The wonder was never gone – just hidden for a time.
My prayer for this body of believers during the season of Advent is that we would cling to the beauty of the Gospel and allow the Spirit to work in us this holiday season, not allowing the hustle and bustle to cause us to lose sight of the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. He has come, and He will come again.
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