Is Christmastime a joyful season for you?

For many people, Christmas is a stressful and depressing time of the year. If you are like me, you can be easily overwhelmed by the pressures and expectations of the Advent season. Every year, retailers compete to capitalize on public craving for yuletide consumerism – all in the name of the Christmas spirit and traditional gift-giving. The annual hustle and bustle can easily distract me from focusing and reflecting on how I should reflect the Christmas spirit to those within my sphere of influence.

Every year, amidst the chaos, Scripture counsels me to reassess my demeanour – reviving my resolve for perspective and peace. In Luke 4:18, Jesus quotes Isaiah – proclaiming and clarifying his ministry mantle and mandate. Consequently, and subsequently, Jesus challenges, calls, and commissions every believer to embrace his mantle and continue his mandate. In his name, empowered by his Spirit, every believer can reflect the essence of the glorious gospel and the gift that keeps on giving –– binding up the broken-hearted, proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, release from darkness for the prisoners, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor.

Are seasonal stresses overwhelming you? Prayerfully allow Scripture to reassess your perception. Don’t allow society to define and influence your Christmas spirit. Overcome Christmas chaos by focusing on celebrating the miracle and majesty of the season – God’s greatest gift —, so you can willingly and lovingly reflect him to those around you. The advent season is the natural season to reflect our Christmas spirit, obediently and lovingly, with family, friends, and other people in the community. May the Spirit of the sovereign Lord compel and empower you to be Jesus’ hands, feet, and voice as you celebrate his advent within your respective sphere of influence.

_Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you are sovereign. Protect me from society’s influence. Help me to realize that I am an extension and reflection of your hands, feet, and voice to those around me. Empower me to reflect you humbly and lovely among those you call to be your own. _

Throughout This Day: Reflect on Jesus’ words – contemplating the subsequent call and commission of embracing his mantle and continuing his mandate – being his hands, feet, and voice among those within your sphere of influence.



Tags: The Promised One Daily Devotional Isaiah 61 Luke 4
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