Think back to Christmases past. Did you ever find yourself just going through the motions? 

Did you make the prerequisite cookies and build the traditional gingerbread house just because that’s what you always do?

Did you attend Christmas Eve service at your church only because it was the right thing to do?

Did you donate to the Salvation Army kettles because you knew you should?

Going through the motions at Christmastime is probably more common than you think. The busyness of the season pushes us to fit all the traditions in, buy all the gifts and make all the food, desserts and candies.

Instead of a time of gratitude and peace, we are left with a time of exhaustion with little energy left to focus on our Savior.

Jesus came to earth for so many reasons. We know He was born to become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, but He was also born to free us from meaningless life.

Jesus came to awaken us to abundance.

The scripture in Isaiah predicts this wonderful coming of the Messiah. Picture the scene the verses above describe. Gushing springs. Streams in the wasteland. Pools instead of parched ground. Thirst satisfied.

All of those descriptions paint the picture of abundance and provision and satisfaction.

Jesus alone can satisfy all of our needs and can save us from a life of just “going through the motions.” Jesus brings purpose to all we do when we do everything for His glory.

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV).

As we anticipate the birth of our Savior, let’s also anticipate the abundant life he came to bring. As we celebrate this season, let’s remove anything that keeps us from experiencing this abundance, so we can focus on the gift of Jesus alone.

Let’s anticipate the promise of Jesus, the only one who can satisfy our souls with His abundant grace and love. 

Reflection by:
KRISTEN KAY JOHNSON
www.kristenkayjohnson.com