by Leigh Ann Dilley on December 14, 2023
For the second year in a row, the women of Timberline have decided to read through the 25-day "Journey of Emmanual — An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always." It was so powerful last year and is back by popular demand. I hope you have been able to follow along and maybe even attend some group discussions on this beautiful book by Ruth Chou Simons.
If not, no worries, the next four devotionals will be highlights of each week's lessons and takeaways.
Week one was about the posture of our heart. Posture is important because it determines the trajectory of any journey, like a rudder. What we focus on determines where we go and how we will receive. We examined our Christmas expectations — which are always dangerous — and compared expectations with expectancy. Being expectant brings an element of joy to any season of waiting.
We compared worries of the season with worship using the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus expressed concern and compassion for Martha's worries and frustrations, but if the "to-do" list leaves us bitter, then the antidote for worry lies in Mary's example. Elevate surrender and worship by spending more time with Jesus.
Jesus is the greatest treasure of the season. If we chase after worldly abundance, we've missed the generous gift of the abundance offered by Christ Jesus. He offers joy, strength, hope, peace, victory, and a clean conscience. When we focus on Jesus, we have the most generous gift of all.
To those who feel the sting of Christmas and its homecomings because you are alone, lonely, grieving, or uninvited. It's this very desperation that causes us to realize we need a good, soul-satisfying Savior. Loneliness reminds us we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. We were created to need God and community. Let Jesus and his promises comfort, care, and provide for you during what can be a difficult season. He makes all things new and welcomes you as a child of God into His Kingdom.
Turn the stress of the season into gratitude. Stress has more to do with the posture of our hearts than our circumstances. Focusing on ourselves adds to that stress. Lies from worldly expectations can loop around in our heads this time of year. Don't believe the lies. Set your mind on Christ who offers peace. Rejoice in His truth and let prayer replace anxiety. Prayer leads to peace. Ask for a posture of gratitude.
There is a longing in our hearts that even the magic of Christmas cannot satisfy. Where we set our hope this season will determine how we find joy. We were created to find our hope in Christ, why are we surprised when nothing else satisfies?
