An Indescribable Gift

This is the last week of Advent and the countdown is on for Christmas Day to arrive! Interesting, as I journeyed through last week and was mindful of the Advent candle for the week that represented “joy,” I could sense that God was renewing my sense of joy and expectancy for what He wants to do in all our lives. It’s time to put off our “grave clothes” of the things that have been “miscarried and aborted” in our lives and allow Holy Spirit to heal those hurts and bring life to our unrealized dreams and ideas. In the midst of the hardships, He promises that joy comes in the morning. He wants us to get up, brush off what’s been holding us back and move into a new season. This week, the fourth and final candle represents love. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” What an amazing gift He has given us… even when we don’t deserve it! The gift of salvation is indescribable because it is FULL of EVERYTHING we’d ever need or want… It includes God’s best for your health, protection, finances, relationships and success in life. It means a complete change from the inside out! As we’ve taken a closer look at the advent season, we have prepared for the different “comings” of Christ; first as a babe born to take away the sins of the world and secondly as the King on a white horse, coming to put the world back together. Advent means “coming, anticipating, or preparing.” We not only anticipate the Christmas season but also the second coming in which Jesus comes to gather His children home to glory. Not only has the Lord come, He is also coming! Did you know that one of the most popular and well-known Christmas carols, “Joy to the Word,” was based on Psalm 98? English hymn writer, Isaac Watts, penned these words to celebrate Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age; not to celebrate Jesus’ first coming. Although it may seem a bit odd that we sing this song during the Christmas season, we can actually see that it does have a part in our celebrations because of the meaning of the advent season: “coming, anticipating, preparing.” “Everyone knows how God saved us, for He has displayed his justice throughout history. He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness. …So go ahead everyone and shout out your praises with joy! Break out of the box and let loose with the most joyous sound of praise!” Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her king! As we near the end of this advent season, I pray that you are encouraged and full of hope, peace, joy and love. I pray that you will experience the true meaning of this season … of Jesus’ birth and of His return that is so imminent. Look for “Twas the Night Before Christ Came” in the Christmas edition of this paper. This poem was birthed out of God’s heart for each of you. Set aside some time to sit in His presence in this holiday season. Know that I am praying for each of you, my dear precious readers, that this Christmas will be your BEST one yet! Jesus came that you would have life and life abundantly! Allow Him to pour out His gifts in your life during this Christmas season! Merry Christmas and God Bless You All! Scripture reference: Ephesians 2:4,5 , 2 Corinthians 9:15, Psalm 98