Dear Faith Family,
It's probably no surprise to you to hear that our home, inside and out, is prepared for Christmas. Yes, we are "those" people who start the move towards everything Christmas on November 1st. Just as quickly as the calendar moves from October to November, Fall decorations disappear, trees a light roll out, and holiday sounds and scents fill the house.
While the transition always starts on November one, sometimes it takes us a couple of weeks to complete the decorative process, especially since I always seem to discover a few extra "pieces" to unpack and find a place for each year! But eventually, the house, from front to back, top to bottom, room to room, is fully immersed in the affections of the season.
Part of the reason the transition drags out a bit is the fact that for everything put out, something has to be put up. Preparations are not merely an addition to the usual decor; they replace what is common with something new, something special. We can not just layer Christmas on top of what sits on our shelves, hangs on our walls, or fits in a particular space; we have to prepare the way for Christmas by moving out some of the usual stuff.
Similarly, our All About Jesus story from Sunday is meant to help you and me clear out the usual stuff in our hearts in preparation for Christmas, for Christ with us.
If you missed Sunday, I'd encourage you to take a few minutes and let Chaz guide you through the heart-paving way of John the Baptizer from Luke 3. If you were there, and after you've listened, continue with the prep work, especially with Advent just over a week away.
Below are some of the questions John's All About Jesus story invites us to consider. As with the Pace home, so with our hearts, transformation takes time and preparation.
"Prepare in the wilderness the way of the LORD;
make his path straight."
(Luke 3:4)
Who are the unexpected heralds of the Good News in our present culture? In my life in particular?
What in my heart is crooked and rough and needs clearing away?
How is God calling me to put away these tendencies?
Where have I seen the fruit of repentance decorating my actions, words, or thoughts?
What is God refining (replacing the common with something special) in me so that I can live more fully into his purpose--into who he has made me to be?
Am I prepared for Jesus' arrival?
Love you, faith family! God bless.