A Time of Receiving

During this time of year, we hear so often that it’s not a season of receiving, but of giving.  The general message during these weeks before Christmas is that we shouldn’t be concerned with what we might receive, but rather with what and how we can give.  And these ideas are true, when we are thinking about it in the sense of gifts and material items or about how we can give of ourselves to others.  But if we look at it with a different approach, this time of year is absolutely about receiving.  It’s about receiving Jesus more fully into our hearts.

Advent is a time for us to examine our hearts and our lives and invite Jesus in.  Maybe we need to invite Him into parts that we are withholding from Him.  Or maybe we need to just continue to grow closer to Him and work on deepening our relationship with Him.  During this time, we are all called to purify our hearts, minds, and souls so that we would be able to better receive Him.  We must reflect on the fruits that our lives are bearing and make any necessary changes.  We need to be always ready and alert, mindful of how we are living.

If we don’t spend this time intentionally preparing, our hearts can become cold and hard.  Think about the people you know who don’t know the love Christ has for them.  Think about the people you know who have left the faith because they don’t understand what His love for them means for their lives.  If our hearts become cold and hard, we will block out this truth and become numb to the reality of His love for us.  And then when He comes, we won’t be ready.

This is why it must begin with receiving.  When we receive the love of Christ into our hearts and lives, we become more like Him.  We must allow Him to enter our lives so that we will be transformed and ready to be witnesses.  When we receive Jesus and His love into our hearts, we are better able to help the world around us prepare to receive Him too- in the words we say and how we live.
​
In order to give to others and share the love and joy of Jesus with them, we must first receive it in our own hearts.  May we spend these last two weeks of Advent receiving so that we can give.