Every December I look forward to slowing down during the Christmas season and reflecting on God’s generous provision over the past year. Despite my best intentions, however, I struggle to find quiet time because there’s always so much going on during the holidays. I know I’m not alone.
Let’s face it. Christmas is filled with unrealistic expectations. We put a lot of energy into shopping, decorating, attending parties, and wrapping gifts, and we wonder why we feel so stressed out instead of refreshed and closer to God and our families.
How do we make the holidays as fun, meaningful, and stress-free as possible?
Practicing and observing an ancient Christian tradition is a good way to make this coming Christmas season the most memorable and meaningful one yet.
Since the early Church, Christians have observed Advent. It’s a yearly time of anticipation where we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Jesus’ earthly birth. This time is meant to awaken in us a yearning for the newborn Messiah, an expectancy birthed from an awareness of our own sinful condition and need. It reminds us we are to anticipate His second return.
Originally published in Higher Ground.
