To all the moms who are praying for sanity in the midst of long school breaks and endless lists of things to buy, cook, and clean; when you are crying out to God with requests for more hours in the day, more dollars in the bank account, and less ugly sweater parties to attend; whether you've just surfaced from a season of difficulty, of feel that you'll never be free from the place that you're in now; regardless of the circumstances or emotions that fill your days, as you enter this advent season, may you find strength in these whispers to God:
1. Father, help me to cherish this season.
Not just endure it, or wish it away. In the midst of family functions, social gatherings, and white elephant gift exchanges, may I find joy and truly celebrate the opportunity to be with so many of those I love. Even when we end up on top of the extended relatives at grandma’s house, or when hosting means unending laundry, grocery shopping, and food prep, help me to be grateful as I know there are so many who cannot be with their family and friends. Regardless of how many wish lists my children hand me, or costumes I find myself sewing into the wee hours of the night, no matter if I can find that last "perfect" gift, or how few workouts I am actually able to fit into the schedule, may I be caught up in the story of Christmas -- the beauty and magic, the music and celebrations, the rituals and routines that make up this season. Help me to say yes to fun activities, not out of obligation, but to create memories with my children. May I be the mom who includes them in the preparations, not because it's easy, but because I'm choosing to be with them. May our Advent be more than crossing days off a calendar, and more celebrating a season of joy, merriment, and generosity.
2. Father, help me to exude this word, "generosity."
I want my children to recognize it in our daily living, not just when we create time in the calendar to serve those less fortunate, or when I pull out my checkbook for a local charity. Help me to model for them what it means to have a heart full of gratitude, one that is postured to serve and love others. May they begin to notice how fortunate they are— what privileges they have, and be moved to pray for others, and give to those who go without. Whether locally or abroad, may they see the needs around them and choose to act as You would. May this Christmas season be marked not by what we “get,” but by what we give. Whether we are baking cookies for a neighbor, delivering toys to a family less fortunate, or sending a gift to someone halfway around the world, may this Christmas be a time for us to grow our faith and put the needs of others over our own wants and desires.
3. Father, help me to teach my children the true Christmas story.
Yes, I want to have fun with the magic and wonder, the food and festivities, the singing and activities, but I want advent to be more than just a daily ritual. I don’t want to merely set up a nativity scene at the beginning of the season, only to circle back to the Christmas story on December 24th. I want to explain to my children about this wonderful event that took place long ago in a world far away. Show me how to do that in a way that they can understand. I want them to know that it was You that made Christmas happen. It was Jesus, exchanging a heavenly throne for a manager. It was God, our Father, exchanging His Son, for us. It was Love being born into the world. It was Hope coming to a people desperate for Joy and Peace. It was the culmination of thousands of years of prophecy wrapped up into one event that forever changed the world. This Christmas I want to be overwhelmed by that story; and I want my kids, in their own way, to also be moved by how amazing it is.
To all the moms eager to begin this advent season, may it not be because of chocolate calendars, candles to burn at dinner, or crossing items off some activity list. May your anticipation and excitement truly be a “thrill of hope” for all that Christmas really is. May you see, with a fresh perspective, how truly amazing the Christmas story is-- not just the characters in the stable, but the overarching story of God and His love for us.
May you experience Joy this Christmas. May your mind know Peace. May you be overwhelmed with Hope. May your advent be purposeful and your Christmas season be bright.
Malinda Fuller and her husband Alex have served at several churches and para-church organizations in the U.S. and Canada for over a decade. Malinda wields truth and grace through the words on her blog and has also contributed content for Relevant, Thrive Moms and The Influence Network. Malinda and Alex currently reside in Southern California, where they are homeschooling their daughters, working in ministry and trying to not complain about the continuous sunshine.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: November 18, 2016
Read Advent Bible verses at BibleStudyTools.com - The 28 Scriptures can be broken into 4 weeks with a passage for each day!
Prayer is a wonderful way to help cut away from distractions of the season and open your heart to prepare for the joy and hope of Christ's birth. Crosswalk.com offers 12 Advent Prayers to help you focus on the reason for the season!