Our Angel (12/21/2024)

She’s pretty old. How old? I can’t remember exactly, but I’d guess at least 50 years old. She’s been part of our family Christmas celebrations since the children were small. Every year, when we take her out, we try to fluff her dress and straighten her wings. And we set her atop our tree to watch over our times together. Last evening as I sat quietly in the family room, catching my breath after a full day, she caught my eye. And the sight of her made me smile because she represented to me both the reason for our seasons of Advent and Christmas and memories of the blessings of seasons past.

We’re getting closer to the actual day – to December 25th. I know that means “more preparations” for most of us as we check our lists and run our errands and wrap our gifts and plan our menus. Last night, as I caught sight of our angel, it was as if she was reminding me to focus on the true preparations of my mind, heart and soul for my LORD. In these final days of Advent, let us all truly focus on the reason for the season, on the true “preparation” that needs to take place, the invisible but essential preparations of ourselves to host our Savior who comes to us and who promised us, “I will remain with you forever” (Mt. 28:20).

As I walked through the family room this morning on my way from morning prayer on the porch to the office and my computer, our angel caught my eye once again. I smiled. She may be silent, but in her way, she proclaimed to me the glory of the LORD and reminded me of the great joy that came that special day in Bethlehem.

During these final days of Advent, let us pay as much attention to the invisible preparations as the visible ones. Let us spend a bit more time in prayer, a bit more time giving thanks and recognizing the LORD’s graciousness to us daily. Let us consider how we will make room for our Savior so that He may dwell within us more fully.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.