Advent: The Gift

Many of us can remember THAT present.

For me, it came when I was six. I flew downstairs early on Christmas morning to find an enormous sky-blue pop-up tunnel winding through our family room and beyond. It seemed to go on forever. I scrambled into it, hid in its refuge, raced back out. 

I’m not sure how my parents ever reclaimed my attention to open the other Christmas presents. But I will never forget that gift.

I still think about that tunnel. Best. Gift. Ever.

This Advent, we have the opportunity to give Christ our best gift ever: our hearts.

In the middle of all the hustle and hurry of the season - buying gifts, attending functions, wrapping presents, hosting parties - Christ calls us quietly into His presence, asking that we take a breath and just sit with Him for a while. Wonder at His birth. Ponder His love. Pray to Him. Adore and praise Him. Abide in silence with Him. Treasure the gift He’s given to the world, to us. 

In humble response to the greatest love ever known, let us present our best offering. 

Jesus offered His limitless love when He came to earth as a baby and then paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. He is our Savior. This year, show the Lord how much you love Him. Offer your heart this Advent.

It’s the greatest gift you could ever give..

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~ Isaiah 9:6 NIV

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 

~ Romans 5:8 NLT

“Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of Himself. Ask and seek and your heart will grow big enough to receive Him and keep Him as your own.” 

~ Mother Teresa

Today is a GOOD day!

Natalie