Faith on the Frontstretch: 'Tis the Season for Anticipation
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| 'Tis the season! |
“...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1b
The off-season is always full of anticipation and this year seems crazier than usual. Race teams are playing musical crew chiefs and there are still questions about where a few drivers will end up. As the holidays approach and racing news slows to a trickle, my mind races forward to February. Daytona is already marked on my calendar, and perhaps yours, too.
The Christmas season is full of anticipation, too. We prepare for the big day – buying, decorating, wrapping, baking. With the flutter of festivities with family and friends, there is so much to do. But partway through, do you start to feel overwhelmed? I do. I long for less stress and more peace.
The other night I decided to “red flag” the Christmas busyness. While my family slept, I curled up on the couch with my Bible. By the soft glow of Christmas tree lights, I read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-20. Have you ever read a familiar passage, but something new jumps out at you? That’s what happened as I marveled at the shepherds’ response.
Those Bethlehem shepherds had to stay alert while tending their sheep overnight, watching for predators and thieves. It was probably rare for them to leave the flock alone on a hillside. But that night, as they sat around a fire or stood guard amongst the sheep, something changed their focus. Out of the darkness, an angel appeared, surrounded by a blinding light. The angel announced the birth of Jesus and a crowd of heavenly beings sang praises to God.
The shepherds were understandably awestruck. But here’s what really got my attention: “So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16, emphasis added) The shepherds were so transformed by the angel’s good news, they could hardly contain themselves! They left the field immediately and dashed off to find Jesus. That’s the kind of excitement and anticipation I want to have at Christmastime: the drop-everything-and-search-for-baby-Jesus mindset.
During all the holiday hustle-bustle, I need frequent breaks to focus on the real reason for the season. Sitting in the dark with only the Christmas tree lights helps me quiet my heart and pray. Some people feel closest to God at church or while singing hymns or outside in nature. No matter how you draw near to God, be assured that He looks forward to spending time with you.
Giving gifts is fun, decorations are beautiful and gingerbread cookies are yummy. But during the holiday season, my heart longs to celebrate the arrival of my Savior.
Racing friends, I wish you peace, many blessings, and a heart filled with joyful anticipation. Merry Christmas!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11(KJV)
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Want to read more racing devotions? When you donate $25 or more to Skirts and Scuffs, we’ll send you a complimentary copy of Beth’s book, Race Fans’ Devotions to Go. See you on the frontstretch!
The off-season is always full of anticipation and this year seems crazier than usual. Race teams are playing musical crew chiefs and there are still questions about where a few drivers will end up. As the holidays approach and racing news slows to a trickle, my mind races forward to February. Daytona is already marked on my calendar, and perhaps yours, too.
The Christmas season is full of anticipation, too. We prepare for the big day – buying, decorating, wrapping, baking. With the flutter of festivities with family and friends, there is so much to do. But partway through, do you start to feel overwhelmed? I do. I long for less stress and more peace.
The other night I decided to “red flag” the Christmas busyness. While my family slept, I curled up on the couch with my Bible. By the soft glow of Christmas tree lights, I read the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-20. Have you ever read a familiar passage, but something new jumps out at you? That’s what happened as I marveled at the shepherds’ response.
Those Bethlehem shepherds had to stay alert while tending their sheep overnight, watching for predators and thieves. It was probably rare for them to leave the flock alone on a hillside. But that night, as they sat around a fire or stood guard amongst the sheep, something changed their focus. Out of the darkness, an angel appeared, surrounded by a blinding light. The angel announced the birth of Jesus and a crowd of heavenly beings sang praises to God.
The shepherds were understandably awestruck. But here’s what really got my attention: “So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16, emphasis added) The shepherds were so transformed by the angel’s good news, they could hardly contain themselves! They left the field immediately and dashed off to find Jesus. That’s the kind of excitement and anticipation I want to have at Christmastime: the drop-everything-and-search-for-baby-Jesus mindset.
During all the holiday hustle-bustle, I need frequent breaks to focus on the real reason for the season. Sitting in the dark with only the Christmas tree lights helps me quiet my heart and pray. Some people feel closest to God at church or while singing hymns or outside in nature. No matter how you draw near to God, be assured that He looks forward to spending time with you.
Giving gifts is fun, decorations are beautiful and gingerbread cookies are yummy. But during the holiday season, my heart longs to celebrate the arrival of my Savior.
Racing friends, I wish you peace, many blessings, and a heart filled with joyful anticipation. Merry Christmas!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11(KJV)
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Want to read more racing devotions? When you donate $25 or more to Skirts and Scuffs, we’ll send you a complimentary copy of Beth’s book, Race Fans’ Devotions to Go. See you on the frontstretch!
Beth Bence Rei
nke is the author of Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a devotional book geared toward female racing fans. Her column for Skirts and Scuffs explores the role of faith in motorsports. To read more of Beth’s posts, click on her name or “Faith on the Frontstretch” on the Skirts and Scuffs home page. Feel free to leave a comment on this post or reach her via twitter: @bbreinke.
nke is the author of Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a devotional book geared toward female racing fans. Her column for Skirts and Scuffs explores the role of faith in motorsports. To read more of Beth’s posts, click on her name or “Faith on the Frontstretch” on the Skirts and Scuffs home page. Feel free to leave a comment on this post or reach her via twitter: @bbreinke.
Faith on the Frontstretch: 'Tis the Season for Anticipation
Reviewed by Beth Reinke
on
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Rating:
Reviewed by Beth Reinke
on
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Rating:
