Daily
Hebrews
16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Good evening!
This is the time of year when I begin to plan our family’s Christmas feast. I had an amazing role model when it came to planning holiday fare. My mother used to make our family’s Christmas dinner one of the most spectacular events of the year. She invested hours into preparing and serving the meal. Being the frugal woman she is, Mom would begin working at the “little touches” in the fall, by designing a special tablecloth for our dining room table. Mom would cut bells and holly leaves from red and green felt, stitching colorful sequins to each piece. She quilted the unique appliqués onto her handmade tablecloth as festive decorations. Every little detail was trimmed with love. Mom made matching placemats, adding brightly colored felt mittens to each mat. Our silverware fit perfectly inside each mitten. A menu was carefully planned, so that every member had a taste of their favorite Christmas dish. Mom loved to make sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, and roast turkey with cornbread stuffing. We had homemade mashed potatoes, whipped with condensed sweet milk and butter. Banana pudding and pumpkin pies were prepared on Christmas Eve day. After the holiday baking was finished, we would gather together at the kitchen table and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon.
There’s something to be said about sheer anticipation. We know that something really wonderful is about to happen; so we prepare for it. We string cranberry garland and make colorful popcorn balls. We construct candy cone ornaments out of red construction paper and white cigar cleaners. On the tree; we fill the ornamental cones with peppermint candy and chocolate Hershey Kisses®. We listen to the story of how the stable animals watched in wonder, as the greatest miracle on earth became a reality for the whole world. How do you prepare your heart during Advent to receive the greatest gift of all?
This year, I am adding a very special dish to my family’s Christmas feast. I’m serving up an extra helping of grace. It will be a rare treat indeed, prepared especially by the nail-scarred hands of my Savior. He is the One whose birthday we celebrate. Advent is the time we anticipate with joy the hope of the world that comes through new life. Christ’s grace knows no end. He offers it freely to all who will offer their hearts back to Him in love.
One day, we may find ourselves feasting at His banquet table, and I can guarantee you that our Lord has spared no expense for this feast. After all, He died to save you from your sin. I can see His Christmas table, covered with food fit for royalty. The invitation has been extended - we are His honored guests. There will be an endless supply of living water to drink; and we will never thirst again. The manna we share together will be a breaking of the Bread of everlasting life. Christ is seated at the head of the table. His amazing countenance will cause every morsel to melt our hearts in praise. We will experience the eternal banquet. This is one feast worth waiting for.
This is the time we prepare our hearts in anticipation of the great Christmas feast. One day, we will approach His throne of grace with confidence. The banquet will be served to all who place their hope in Christ alone. May you find yourself feasting in the presence of the Lord, receiving the extra portion of grace. He has prepared this meal especially for you.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Pray for: anticipation for the day to come! His feast is almost here – it is time to herald our Savior’s birth. How will you prepare your heart in anticipation of the great Christmas feast? Bon appétit!
___________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
