Merry Christmas Eve Emmanuel Faith! The waiting is over. The culmination of Advent is here. Our Savior is born!
Over the last four weeks of Advent, we have experienced what it means to behold. We have beheld Jesus, the Lamb of God. We have considered surrender; relinquishing control of our own lives into the hands of the Almighty. We have beheld pursuit; a vision of what it looks like to run after this spotless lamb. We have beheld the Gospel; the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to take away the sins of the world! What an awesome promise!
This is amazing news, but what do we do with it? As you enter Christmas Eve, consider taking some time to ponder this precious gift. Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Mary reverently unpacked each moment, held each word, longing, hope, and fear, and spread them out on the table of her heart; allowing the light of God’s presence to penetrate her soul and renew her joy.
The practice of pondering is a deeply spiritual act. It is setting aside anxieties, confusion, and fears and it invites us into a place of wonder, mystery, and awe. Pondering teaches us how to recognize the voice of God.
Before you rush into a busy day, choose one or two of the following and take some time to engage in the Practice of Pondering:
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Set aside a specific time and place to reflect on how God has been present in your life.
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Physically leave all distractions behind (including your cell phone!) Go for a walk in God’s amazing creation. Take some deep breaths. Look, smell, feel, notice.
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Pray Scripture (try starting in the Psalms) back to the Lord inserting your own name into the text as a promise and a reminder of God’s care for you. As you reflect on his tender care, let this be a time of worship and adoration of your Lord.
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Celebrate where you see God at work. Don’t rush past it but bask in the knowledge of his provision.
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Confront or lament moments that you don’t understand. Be honest with God. He can handle it!
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Ask God to give you eyes and a heart to see his goodness. Ask him to renew your faith and your trust in him.
Pondering allows us to feel the weight of God’s glory and fully celebrate the mystery of his ways. I hope you can find some time today to ponder this miraculous gift.
Lynette Fuson
Director of Care & Counseling
We hope you can join us this afternoon at 1pm, 3pm or 5pm for our Christmas Eve services as we gather together to worship Jesus and celebrate that our Savior has come!