Advent of Christ, Christmas Devotional, Daily Life

26 Days of Advent continues:

Letters X, Y, Z--the Lord is:

• Xtraordinary (Acts 19:11)
• Xcellent (Psalm 150:2)
• Yearns for us (Jeremiah 31:20)
• Zealous (Joel 2:18)

Well, we've finished up the alphabet in this series of praises to the Lord during this Advent season. Try to remember them when you pray.

Advent Devotional

The day before Christmas Eve...I'm sure you are getting last-minute details taken care of especially if you have young children. We are not traveling anywhere other than to church on Thursday evening and the weather is quite temperate here in Florida this week. Here is a paraphrased version of 1Corinthians 13 to help you wind down and keep a good attitude despite the hustle and bustle:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family -- I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table, but do not show love to my family --I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family -- it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the church choir, but do not focus on Christ -- I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table lines.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return.

Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

May we keep the true meaning of Christmas foremost in our thoughts and hearts as we approach the holiday season.