Each December God’s people return.
We return to The Story. We revisit the manger.
Tucked into Luke 8 is an account of Jesus returning to a seaside community where he frequently gathered to teach, reach, help, and heal. Luke speaks of a large crowd of disciples and a great many people seeking, searching, finding . . .6:17-18
After being away for awhile ministering in the region of Gerasenes, Luke tells us, “when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.” (Luke 8:40)
As I am beginning to prep for my journey to Bethlehem this year, this verse leapt out and landed on my heart.
Am I expecting Jesus to show up this Christmas? Like really, really show up!
Am I prepared to welcome him?
This Advent, I unearthed 25 phrases (not verses) from Luke chapter 1.
I jotted them down and cut them into slips.
Each day, I am going to light a candle or sit in the glow of our Christmas tree and pick one phrase.
I will ask Jesus to use it to speak into my fears and tears, my hope and my heart.
It will become my prayer for that day.
As Christmas returns may I be ready.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
If you would like a copy of these Luke 1 phrases for your Christmas journey, drop me a note at Brenda@runhardrestwell.com. Some of the phrases, taken from the Holman Christian Study Bible, include: “Now listen!” (Luke 1:20) “I am the Lord’s” (Luke 1:38) “mindful of His mercy” (Luke 1:54). December 1st is just around the corner. Christmas blessings to you each day!
