“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
As the calendar turns to December, our lives become immersed in the vibrant tapestry of holiday events, cherished family gatherings, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. In the midst of this festive season, it is all too easy to be swept away by the business of December, inadvertently sidelining the significance of Advent – a time of intentional preparation and reflection leading us to the awe-inspiring arrival of the Christ child.
The abundance of holiday events that pepper our December calendars provides ample opportunities for joy and connection. Family gatherings hold special places in our hearts during this time. And the whirlwind of Christmas shopping captivates our minds.
As we navigate the business of December, let us purposefully carve out moments for Advent reflection. Set aside time for prayer, meditation, and scripture reading. Advent calendars and wreaths can serve as daily reminders of the journey we are on, leading us towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus. By intentionally weaving Advent practices into the fabric of our December activities, we can ensure that the true meaning of Christmas remains at the forefront of our hearts and minds.
In the midst of the December bustle, let us not lose sight of the season’s significance. May the business of holiday events, family gatherings, and Christmas shopping be infused with the purposeful anticipation that Advent brings, guiding us towards the manger where we encounter the miracle of Christ’s birth.
The Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6-7 extend an invitation to enter into Advent with a spirit of tranquil anticipation. As we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth, Paul encourages us to approach this season with a posture of prayer and supplication. The very act of bringing our concerns and hopes before God becomes a pathway to a peace that transcends the anxieties that often accompany the December busyness. Gratitude redirects our focus from the pressures of holiday preparations to the source of true joy – the gift of God’s Son. In the practice of thanksgiving, we discover a peace that guards our hearts and minds. The peace of this passage is not contingent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with the Prince of Peace. It is a peace that remains steadfast, even in the face of the world’s uncertainties. This Advent, carve out intentional moments of prayer. God welcomes your concerns, hopes, and gratitude; He not only listens but also responds with a peace that goes beyond human comprehension. In the quiet spaces of prayer, we encounter the transformative power of Advent, allowing the peace of Christ to permeate every aspect of our lives.