It’s that time of year again when a lot of us become overly distracted, caught up in a browsing/buying/bingeing frenzy even as we want to still our souls and focus most on the presence of the Light of the world within.
Some just want to disappear, pull the duvet over their head until it’s all over and life can get back to normal, please.
Each season brings its own charm and challenges, doesn’t it?
I love slowing down to have a deeper appreciation of Advent. Maybe you do too.
It’s a waiting, watching and wondering period of remembering how and why our Saviour came to earth.
Becoming a tiny babe in a earthly frame at the start of an arduous journey toward the cross.
His sole purpose was to hold out loving arms willing to die for us, to bear the burden of sin we carry within.
I can’t help but think how crazy-busy, sad and mixed up this season can be. Many are in physical or emotional pain, desperate, dying on the inside, others literally in fear of their lives.
As we sit heavy with a world’s sadness, sorrow and pain, we can breathe in sweet remembrance of the Reason to savour the joy of our salvation, of our brokenness being made whole.
What if we primarily saw this season as a grace invitation to lean harder, listen closer, open our eyes and hearts to the Man for all seasons who stands ready with arms wide open to receive us?
A Man for all seasons
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la
But what if…
you feel the sharp prick of painful
circumstances bleeding into your days
or sway inside as you sip a bitter
cup bearing berries of unforgiveness,
or have grief eating you up within;
how can we celebrate a season of
consumerism or avoid its slick
perma-present ‘buy this’ rictus grin?
There is a way because there is a Man
for all seasons, a Son and Brother
who is our soul’s Lover; He stands
ready to ignite a fire to thaw all cold
and burden-heavy hearts
He sees the season we are in
and His gift offering invites us
instead to focus our blurry,
world-weary gaze on Him
It may feel wintry-chill within
our fearful souls but His Love’s warmth
seals against all ills as it permeates with
laser grace to revive and make us whole
©JoyLenton2015
I’m warming my heart today by having fellowship with fellow wordsmiths sharing their five-minute-friday offerings on the word prompt ‘season’ over at Kate Motaung’s place and with Mel and friends as we focus on the essential things of life and faith. You’re very welcome to join us.
Poetry Joy 
Thank you,Joy. I am a lover from this Man for all seasons. Beautiful written.
Thanks, Aritha. Me too! Bless you for sharing your allegiance to the Man for all seasons. 🙂 x
Stopping by from FMF. Such beautiful thoughts on Advent. And wonderful words of comfort. Thank you. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and bless you for leaving an encouraging comment! 🙂
I love Advent too and so enjoy encountering someone else who sees beauty in trying to slow down and enjoy the season. These words are a good reminder.
Hi Bethany. I’m glad you found something you could relate to here. There is breathing space and “beauty in trying to slow down and enjoy the season” of Advent and remember why our Saviour came to earth. May you continue to be blessed and encouraged as you do so.
Advent is my favorite! Loved this post. I’m over in the #46 spot.
I love Advent too, Tara, and I loved your post, sad as it is in many ways. Blessings of peace to you, friend.
Great stuff! Love this poem, Joy, and the snowflakes too! 🙂
Thanks, Keren! I’d forgotten about the snowflakes I’d set up here one winter. Apparently, they reappear at a certain time each year unless you stop them. 🙂 x
Joy, I so welcome your beautiful poem and words all around. Focusing on Him is all…ALL…I want for Christmas.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda, I’m so pleased you liked the reflection and poem offered here and I love your comment: “Focusing on Him is all…ALL…I want for Christmas.” Amen, my friend! Bless you. 🙂 x
Amen. Beautiful post. God bless and have a very merry Christmas
Thanks very much. I’m glad you found something that spoke to you here. A very Merry Christmas to you too!
Thanks. I joke and play on my blog, but God plays a big role in my life. I am grateful for everything he has given me.
It’s good to hear that God plays a big part in your life. I am truly thankful for His manifold blessings every day and I know I couldn’t write without His grace and equipping.
Amen