Christmas countdown calendars are nearly completed, and anticipation is building. I wonder if you heard the question “are you ready for Christmas yet” one too many times? But I have a more relevant question for you. Are you ready to be embraced by love this Christmas?
Honestly, some years I got so caught up in the preparations for our Christmas celebrations, I was exhausted. Being embraced by love at Christmas was the farthest thing from my mind. I just wanted to stay awake to do more.
Are You Ready to be Embraced by Love This Christmas?
You might even cringe at the thought. Not another thing to do!
And yet, I think it may be the one action that will get us ready for Christmas better than any other.
But it’s really is more letting go than doing more – receiving instead of giving.
What does it even mean to be embraced by love, what love?
I’m thinking about the love of Jesus. Allowing His love to fill you.
Last week we dwelled on the saving or redeeming love of Jesus. You can read it here
His love is rich and sure. He is just waiting for us to allow ourselves to be embraced by it.
The Immense Love, Unlike any Other
Jesus is part of the Trinity. He shows us God’s love, which is so immense that it’s hard for us to understand.
Paul shows us this through his prayer for believers in the New Testament:
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
That is a love that we can immerse ourselves in!
Come as You Are
I used to think that I was not worthy of His love. The good news is that we don’t have to make ourselves perfect to enjoy the love of Jesus! In fact, we never really could achieve that state on our own. We just come as we are, and He welcomes us.
Perfection is not required.
And yet, in this season there is a glaring temptation to get caught up in just that – perfection. But, we don’t have to find the best presents or have the most beautifully decorated house, or even have the most festive holiday clothes.
People may judge us on these achievements, (and we may judge ourselves too) but God doesn’t. Here is what He says:
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
He looks at our hearts. If we are looking for Him, embracing His love, I believe He will be pleased.
Looking for the Love That Satisfies
Sometimes I have an empty feeling like something is missing. Do you know what I mean? There may be nothing missing in my life at that moment. But still, I don’t feel satisfied.
I’ve tried to fill it with busyness, with family and friends, and work. They are all good things, but I’ve found that they don’t produce a lasting answer to that echoing emptiness.
I still get that gnawing at times, but now I know the solution. I spend some time being embraced by Jesus’s love. What does that look like?
For me, it is refocusing on Jesus.
Refocusing on Jesus
I think this story may explain what I mean by refocusing on Jesus. A while ago, I was in my favorite bakery and coffee shop. I was waiting for my husband, and I had been looking forward to getting some writing done, in the calm that I always felt there.
I sank into my seat by the window, with my phone in one hand, and my coffee in the other. And then noticed the only thing missing was quiet. The laughter of a multitude of high school students bounced off the walls. Chairs scraped across the floor and banter was exchanged between tables.
While I like to see people enjoying themselves, soon I became frustrated, even a little resentful.
But, as I glanced across the room, I became mesmerized by a scene. A small child in a highchair sat with eyes locked on his mother’s face. The look of love passing between them was unmistakable. Oblivious to the noise surrounding them they were content. A stark contrast to how I was feeling.
But I saw a definite similarity to me. When I am focused on Jesus, no matter what is going on around me, I feel at peace.
His love satisfies me. And I don’t think it’s just me. Take a look at this verse, which is talking about God:
“He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (AMP)
So, there is a longing placed there, that only God can satisfy. That explains why nothing else I tried works. When I focus on Him, He fills that void.
Practical Ways to Embrace the Love of Jesus
How can we embrace the love of Jesus? I think it is by focusing on Him.
That day in Panera, I looked up some verses I had in my phone that reminded me of His love. Then I spent time thinking about them.
I chose to spend time mulling over what I know about Jesus and His love, and how that affects my life. That is part of how I embrace and immerse myself in that love.
Sometimes I will listen to music. I have a radio station I listen to in the car. I find the Christian music they play helps bring my thoughts back to Jesus. Here is one song I am enjoying right now. (Light of the World by We the Kingdom)
Sometimes I read a devotional, or my Bible. I have a file on my computer that I call “Encouraging Resources”. (Maybe not the most imaginative name but it works!). I keep links to songs and articles there that help re-focus on Him.
When I do spend time with Jesus and allow myself to be embraced by His love, I do feel calm and I experience joy. I’m better able to really celebrate Christmas and enjoy those around me.
So what do you think, will you embrace love this Christmas too?