May the Fourth Be With You

 

Yes, that’s my little Star Wars wink as we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We’re officially on the launchpad. Christmas is close enough to hear the angels clearing their throats.

This final Advent candle shines with love -- the kind that doesn’t shout but shows up. And no two people model that better than Mary and Joseph. Their story wasn’t tidy or convenient. It was packed with uncertainty, travel plans gone sideways, and a very pregnant Mary riding into Bethlehem with no reservation and no backup plan.

And still -- there was peace. Mary said yes to God’s seemingly impossible plan. Joseph said yes to trust. Together, they made room for Emmanuel -- God with us. Not in a palace. Not in a perfect town. But in Bethlehem. Small. Ordinary. Overlooked.

Isn’t that just like God? I’ll admit -- there were years when my Christmas celebration looked like a Hallmark movie on overdrive. Cookies everywhere. Decorations inside and out. Cards written, gifts wrapped, lists checked twice. My heart wanted Jesus at the center -- but hyper-mode took over.

These days, I’m learning to recalibrate. Less hustle. More holy. Less “Did I do enough?” and more “Lord, You are enough.”

This Fourth Sunday of Advent invites us back to the main thing. Not the traditions (as lovely as they are), not the decorations (or the lack of them), but the Person we’re celebrating. Jesus -- the Star of the story. Mary’s baby boy who grew up to be the great I AM is our peace-giver, hope-holder, strength-provider, and life-bringer.

Things change. Traditions shift. Life rearranges the furniture. But here’s the good news -- the LIFE of the party never changes. Jesus shows up right where we are and offers Himself -- the gift that keeps on giving.

And the gift tag? It has yours and my name on it.

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

This Advent, may love lead the way. Make room. Lean in. Emmanuel is almost here.

#Advent #4thSundayOfAdvent #abundantlife