Abiding in Advent

Source: prodigalthought.net

As we approach Advent season this year, I am reminded about the teaching of Christ when He revealed to us His final "I Am" statement: 

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

Abide means "to dwell; to remain."

Abiding speaks more about a state of being, rather than a state of doing.

It is about relishing our relationship with Christ, immersing ourselves in His presence and His truth.  In some ways, it seems easy.  It doesn't involve ticking off a bullet-point list of To Dos.

However, I must admit: as someone with a goal-oriented, type-A, "doer" personality like myself, abiding is very difficult!  It truly is something I must be very intentional about, especially in a busy season like Advent!

How will I abide in Christ this Advent season?  I'd like to focus on that FIRST this season, before considering all of our usual family Christmas traditions, weekly commitments, and holiday travel plans.  I want to view my calendar like the proverbial mason jar: being careful to fill it up with the most important things--the big rocks--first, followed by the lesser important things--the sand--and finally the truly inconsequential things--the water.  Only by layering it in this way will it all fit!

Source: blog.schedulinginstitute.com

So, before I plan a day for my family to visit the Christmas tree farm, decorate gingerbread houses with friends, or sit upon Santa's lap, I want to plan on abiding with Christ.  Like He taught in the vineyard, if I truly abide in Him, treasuring the gift of His Word and savoring time spent with Him, then the rest will surely come.

I must ask myself: What will abiding in Christ look like for me this Advent season?

Well, it will look a lot like art journaling my way through the Christmas story using this illustrated Advent devotional.  It will look like writing in my prayer journal and continuing to record what Jesus teaches me through journaling and blogging.

What will abiding in Christ look like for my family this Advent season?

Well, it will look like revisiting the Old and New Testaments through our Jesse Tree ornaments each morning over breakfast.  It will involve time in the evenings around our piano singing Christmas hymns and reading parts of the Christmas story at family worship.  It will also look like reading through the Gloria Christmas hymn study during our homeschooling time.

Now I must ask you...what will abiding in Christ look like for you, dear friend, during this Advent season?

It might very well look different from mine!  Perhaps you will meditate upon praise songs while you run, or read an Advent devotional book.   Maybe you and your family will light candles around an Advent wreath each week, or discuss the nativity scene as you assemble the creche and figures on your mantle.  Whatever it consists of, I pray that it would enable you and yours to slow down and truly savor the season and your relationship with the Savior, dear one.  May we all abide in Him this Advent season!