Christmas is my favorite time of year … and I know that I am not alone.

As I am a big Christmas fan, I talk about it all the time, with whoever I meet, wherever I go … and I have learned that people everywhere are Christmas fans.

From Manilla, Philippines to Malmo, Sweden … I have shared in some amazing Christmas traditions.

The Filipinos begin their celebrations in September and the Swedes wrap up on January 13 … so this is now how I define my “Christmas season” … and I love it.

My deep appreciation of Advent is something else that I acquired from the influence of my global friends.

Advent is observed on the four Sundays prior to Christmas in most Christian denominations and it is intended to be a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.

It is to be a time of anticipation … and of longing.

“Longing” is something that must be nurtured and developed.

It seems that all too often, we have almost no sense of longing because we are too attached to so many things.

When we are strong, we feel driven and are often quite demanding … and when we are weak, we feel defeated and are often quite discouraged.

Either way … we miss the sense of longing.

Here is what I know …

The Season Of Advent Is A Time To Nurture Our Sense Of Longing For Christ … So Let’s Put Away Lesser Things For More Of Him

We need to hear this, know this, and believe this!

In this season of Advent, this is the most critically important thing that we can do.

“Lesser things” can be anything that dulls our sense of longing!

We will need to intentionally rid our hearts of “lesser things” … and this is our task to take on! This “putting away” is difficult and … we need to become desperate about our situation.

There will be no longing for the Lord as long as we live totally self-satisfied … and the only way to nurture a sense of longing is to lean into Him!

In this position, we are enabled to let go of lesser things and to literally, leave them behind.

I know I need this … and I am ready to take this on!

The Season Of Advent Is A Time To Nurture Our Sense Of Longing For Christ … So Let’s Put Away Lesser Things For More Of Him

The great exchange!

We have to stop some things … and intentionally step away from some things … so that we can stay in the space that He has created for us to enjoy.

This is the best way for us to be where we need to be, to do what we are called to do … and to redeem the time in the way that Christ desires!

This is how God wants us to live … so say yes, say it fast and say it strong!

I know that I am in … and I want you to be as well.

All for Him now … and without end!

-Terry & Ruthanne-

2020 THEME
Rendering Ourselves Empty … In Order To Receive His Plenty!