Tune My Heart, Episode 20

Happy Sunday, friend. As you prepare for worship this morning, let’s take a moment of quiet to invite God’s presence into your awareness today.

Sunday marks the second week of Advent, when we light the candle of Peace.

It’s funny to me that we celebrate Jesus, the Prince of Peace, in what feels like the most chaotic season of the year. We have multiple holidays jammed together in a short period of time. Lots of extra church responsibilities, most likely. We have packed in so many things that feel necessary in the spirit of modern, commercialized Christmas. And I hate it. Truly, if I could do away with Christmas gifts, half of the events and all of the unnecessary parties, I would do it. I know there are some of you who thrive in all of that, but, for me, it brings chaos. Not joy. Definitely not peace. Why can it have this effect when we’re supposed to be celebrating the coming of our Messiah? Because we can get so distracted by all the things…even good things…and take our eyes off of Jesus. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us:

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

-Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

One of my favorite hymns to add into the Christmas season or even during a Christmas Eve service is the old hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”

It’s lyrics say this:

 Turn your eyes upon Jesus

 Look full in His wonderful face

 And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

 In the light of His glory and grace

 Verse 1:

 O soul are you weary and troubled?

 No light in the darkness you see

 There’s light for a look at the Savior

 And life more abundant and free

Is that not what we want? Light, hope, and a life that is more abundant and free? Let’s not take our eyes off of our Peace as we celebrate this Christmas. For me, one of my favorite ways to do this is to read through the gospels during this season. Another way might be to not procrastinate decorating your home. There’s just something magical about the twinkle of Christmas lights. I love to listen to classic versions of Christmas carols, versions I’d probably never do at church, so my mind isn’t distracted and turns listening into working. Find little ways to keep your focus. Even just changing one small thing this year could make all the difference in your peace as we look full into the wonderful face of our Savior.

And as I shared last week:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

--Romans 15:13 NIV

Let’s pray.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are our peace. When our world seems shaky and unsettled, draw us to You. Help us to seek You first when we’re struggling and not look for peace and contentment elsewhere. God, thank You for this beautiful season of expectation and hope that we celebrate. Help us to treat it as such. To allow our eyes to be open with the wonder of Your kindness in sending Jesus to us. And help it fill us with joy and peace as we trust in You. May that be evident to our congregations as we lead this weekend and that it would turn their eyes towards You, too. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A downloadable/printable version of today's devo can be found here:

Tune My Heart, Episode 20.pdf

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