Longings of Christmas

I read a devotional from www.crosswalk.com on Monday, and it was just too awesome not to share.  This particular devotion was from the Girlfriends in God entitled "Longings of Christmas."  It was written by Gwen Smith. 

The key verse was "Better one handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and striving after the wind."  Ecclesiastes 4:6(ESV)  

Christmas is such a JOYOUS, BUSY, and EXPENSIVE time of the year.  Can I get and "amen!"?  There is a story about a family who is going through a tough financial time and they cannot afford to buy their children the very pricey things on their wishlists.  The father has been talking with is seven-year-old son about their spending limitations this year, in hopes that it will diminish his son's expectations of Christmas.  Nevertheless, his son is determined to get a very expensive electronic toy.  The boy talks about it non-stop for several weeks, and finally has an epiphany, and exclaims to his father that he does not have to worry about the cost of the toy, because he has decided to ask Santa for it.  

I know several times in my life I have longed for something like this little boy.  I cannot stop thinking about it.  The problem is that the "things" I long for are just "things."  King Solomon referred to this in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes as "chasing after the wind."  I am hoping that I am not alone in this, and that some of you can relate exactly to this.  

During Christmas, especially, longings can distract our contentment.  So, this year, I choose to want to want Christ more.  I want to be completely satisfied in him.  I don't want to be hindered or distracted by all the "things" of the holiday.  I want the attention to be His, and I want to focus on being His.  

There is an old hymn written by Charles Wesley that is perfect for setting our longings during this season and year round on Him.  

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

Come, Thou long expected Jesus.  Born to set Thy people free.  From our fears and sins release us.  Let us find our rest in Thee.  

Israel's strength and consolation.  Hope of all the earth Thou dear.  Desire of every nation.  Joy of every longing heart.  

Born Thy people to deliver.  Born a Child and yet a King.  Born to reign in us forever.  Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.  

By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone.  By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.  

The last line of the devotion reads like this " The purposed love-mission of Jesus wrapping Himself in flesh and clothing Himself in humanity was for us to be reconciled to the loving heart of God the Father.  Hope came as a babe in a manger and will be returning soon to take us home.  Now THAT is something to long for!!!!"

My prayer for you this Christmas season is that your longings will be heavenly and eternal, not fleeting and temporary.  Merry CHRISTmas!!