Advent Devotional by Larry Kuhlman

Psalm 27

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27.8)

Ever wonder why some folks dread Christmas?

Already? Really? So quickly?

Kids say, “Santa’s coming soon!”

Gotta create time to buy and wrap toys. Neighbors’ outdoor lights glisten. Grab a ladder. It’s cold, freezing cold! Three lights out. Fixed! To the basement for house decorations. Haul greenery, lights, angels, bells, holiday pictures, and candles up the stairs. Whew!

Heavy Christmas tree in a lousy box. Assemble a twisted tree. Decorate tree! Can’t locate the plug within the branches. Buy groceries for holiday meals, make cookies and candy. Prices astounding. Inflation despairing. Back to store for hot chocolate and wassail contents.

Hang wreaths. Wrapping gifts late at night—none for me!

The cost of stamps dampens the joy of sending cards. No white Christmas forecast—so I presume I will need to find a snow shovel!

Forget tree skirt and lose ornaments that continue to fall off.

Set table, pick up ornament containers, and vacuum again. Force a weary smile as guests ring the doorbell and are hungry and full of Christmas excitement. They arrive as my wife orders me to get my hand out of the candy and cookies I was reaching for as the doorbell rings …

Family reminds me of church.

Christmas program and the school kids’ performance after supper later tonight. As my guests go to the kitchen, I see anew the manger scene on our entry tab

A Bible is open to Luke 2.

Disgruntled thoughts of the cost of gifts, extra church offerings, Salvation Army donations, and hectic bustle give way to thoughts of the Gift of God in Christ. I hear a Christmas carol playing Joy to The World. I sense a new spirit of hope, joy, love, and gratitude flowing through me. Christmas and its traditions are worth it.

Christ found time to come to earth for me!! Will I seek Him this holiday and cherish God’s spirit of giving and love?

Larry Kuhlman