December 4th, 2022
DESIRE
“How I long for all of you.” —Philippians 1:8
Welcome to week two of advent! The traditional focus is on PEACE, and I will be adhering to that as well. In addition though, I will be occasionally referencing some of the themes in the Jan Richardson’s book I am currently reading, (Night Visions – searching the shadows of advent and christmas). In her book, she titles this week “Desire.” Have you noticed that everyone and everything is telling you what your desires are, or should be? The past couple of months the TV, radio and store shelves are trying to sell something you can’t live without. The newest smart TV’s, a new phone, a new computer, new dolls, new cars, jewelry, new clothes, etc…the list goes on and on. A lot of us finally give in and purchase at least one new/great thing. In the end, was it our desire or the sensational sales pitch that pulled us in. A great question we can all ask ourselves is, what is my desire?
“Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
—Psalm 37:4—
One thing I try to do is create or request a list of specific items when it comes to gift giving especially for children at Christmas. I am sure I am not alone this holiday season when I say, I desire to give generously unfortunately my bank account says otherwise. This year, gift giving will be minimal and I am hoping to be more “present” with those I love and care for. Gifts do not have to be store bought presents. One of my absolutely favorite things to do at Christmas is to spend an evening with my aunt and cousins. We typically have pizza and drinks, spent lots of time in conversations about our loved ones who are no longer with us, remembering how much we loved them. And, we laugh A LOT!! Last year, we also baked cookies (14 different kinds), made small gift baskets and gave them to friends and family. My heart is always so full when I’m with them. I also make it a priority to spend time with my niece and her beautiful family, she had three boys and they are 11/5/3…they are never dull that for sure. I also will be seeing my dad and brother during the holidays and gifts haven’t really been a thing for a long time, my dad is overjoyed with chocolate covered cherries! I am sincerely blessed. Once I start naming the gifts I already have, my desire is just the opportunity to be with those I love.
“The desire of the righteous will be granted.”
—Proverbs 10:24—
What is your desire(s) this holiday season? There is no right or wrong answer to give. If you have the financial resources to buy gifts and give them, that is wonderful. I’ve been that person and I really like her. This makes me think of a Christmas movie I watch every year, “The Little Drummer Boy,” he thought he had no gift, the truth is (he) was the gift and the bonus was he played the drum. When we choose to be authentically ourselves, give freely, we are by proxy God’s gifts to the world. God created each of us with a purpose and with a plan, when we seek God with all our heart, mind and soul we shall indeed, find Him.
“A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.”
Proverbs 18:16
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
—Jeremiah 29:11—
“The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”
Proverbs 18:16
Don’t let the world decide your desires for you! Don’t fall for the hype and commercialization or the next great thing! Seek God, ask Him to show you the true desires of your heart.
You, my friend are a gift already in so many ways.
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
HOPE SEEKER 