Advent Reflection: 23rd December - Laura White

Every day in Advent 2016 we will be sharing short reflections from authors, Christian charities and Eden team members.

Wonder & Joy

They say, Christmas “is really for the children” and if you’ve looked around at all this month, I’m sure you’ll probably agree.

My sister rung me the other day to say she’d seen a little boy shopping with his family in town and she watched as his eyes had suddenly lit up and he declared in the excited half-whisper, that only children can muster: “ because, it’s christmasssss”.

But, Jesus didn’t come just for the children - he came for everyone. Just because we’re grown up that doesn’t mean it’s time to let go of the childlike joy and wonder as we approach Christmas.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul encourages us to always face the next step with a childlike attitude:

“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” (Romans 8:15 MSG).

There are several ways we can be begin to keep the childlike wonder alive, but for me, I think what really stands out is allowing yourself to be awed by the little things. To gasp and stare in amazement. To let your eyes lit up in excitement. There is so much to be awed by, but here’s a few, in case you need some prompts:

Be awed by your surroundings - Take a look around you, at the beauty and majesty of the festive period. Embrace the beauty of the season, the lights, the decorations, the beautiful nativity scenes.

Perhaps you’ll find beauty elsewhere; in a frosty morning, mist slowly rolling across fields or a sunset as the days shorten and the stars begin to shine brightly.

Be awed by those around you - Remember that feeling, when you were a child, of watching an adult do something amazing? If you looked back now, it may have been something so small. But what if we were still so amazed by the achievements and accomplishments of our friends and family? Reflect on even the little things those around you have done and let yourself be amazed. Muster your excited half whisper and let them know just how amazing they are.

Be awed by the reason - Much of this advent devotional series has encouraged us to stop, think and reflect. To take 5 minutes within this busy period to just remember why we’re doing all this. So stop again, and be amazed that the story of salvation doesn’t stop with a tiny baby. No, God loves you so much that he sent his Son to not just be born but to live and die and rise again to save the world and he’d have done it even if you were the only person on earth.

So now, may I wish you a wonderful & joyful Christmas and may that childlike awe stay with you well into the New Year.

Laura is originally from sunny Bournemouth, she now lives in Chester with her husband Andy. When she's not sending emails and tweeting for Eden, she is a sometime blogger who enjoys baking and eating out. Laura is never seen without a cup of tea.