You’re Invited
Everyone loves to receive an invitation. Especially at this time of the year when we are surrounded by holiday celebrations. An invitation means we’ve been noticed. And not just noticed, but personally invited to a special occasion. Reading the words, ‘You’re invited to….’ makes us feel loved and valued.
As the Advent season unfolds with it’s never ending to-do lists, God sends each of us a personal invitation. In the middle of the chaos, He invites us into His presence. He bids us to sit still and be quiet, even if it’s just for five minutes. So here I sit with open hands and an open heart. I breath slow and deep as I linger and listen. What are you asking me to set down as unnecessary and what are You inviting me to pick up and carry in love?
As much as I love it when Jesus invites me to rest peacefully in His presence, this is not a one-way invitation. Not only are we invited into His reality, what He desires most is that we invite Him into ours. He longs to become the central part of our lives, particularly during this season as we prepare for His blessed arrival. He calls us back from the commercial abyss most of us fall into and helps us re-set our priorities. Perhaps the season isn’t about all the presents, but rather about the people with whom we share the season. How can we love and serve them well in the hustle and bustle as we wait in hopeful expectation for the coming of our Savior?
Jesus invites us to give Him our burdens. As I sit here in the sweetness of the morning, I once again offer Him my hands. Only this time, with palms facing up, I’ve clenched my fists. What I’m holding onto so tightly is all the hard stuff over which I have no control. Then slowly, I turn my palms with the clenched fists to face the floor and open my hands. The heaviness disappears as my worries are released into His care. Then, with an open hand, I turn my palms upward to face the ceiling, ready to receive all God has for me in this moment. Peace floods my soul and hope fills my heart.
As the season moves on with decorations, baking, caroling, and card sending, take a moment to respond to His invitation. Close your eyes and open your ears. Slow down and listen to his quiet whispers. You are deeply loved and highly valued. In return, offer Him an invitation into the deepest places of your heart. The One who loves you wants to be the One who lives within you. Nowhere is your heart too messy or too broken for Him to swoop in and do what He does best: heal your heart and redeem your mess.
May your Christmas invitations be filled with joyful RSVP’S. Yes, Lord, I’ll gladly enter into your presence. Will you enter into my heart? You’re invited!
