Christmas Meditations of Worship - Dr Denny Bates

Christmas. Sights. Smells. Sounds. The four weeks of Advent take place during the Christmas season when the world pauses. The spirit of Christmas fills the hearts of shoppers who frequent shopping malls, hearing seasonal music or a volunteer Salvation Army band (or bell) stationed on the sidewalk. For many people Christmas is nothing more than a materialistic exercise of futility. Collecting and giving away more consumable gifts never seems to be enough. The hectic pace of the holiday season often depletes more than it fills. The craziness of the season is normalized and many believers settle for a lackluster and "Christ-less" Christmas. A commitment to reflect upon the first Advent is the initial step towards regaining the true meaning of Christmas: worship of Jesus Christ. The Christian disciple is to focus one's heart upon worship. Many Christians observe Advent as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence. Advent is an opportunity to slow down and refocus one's heart upon the Lord. You are invited to back away from the edge of Christmas craziness and begin a four-week journey of reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, singing, and serving that will help you have the merriest Christmas of all.