Anticipating another celebration…
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14: 1-3
The above verses do not quite fit in with the Christmas theme but my heart led me there tonight. John 14 was one of my Mom’s favorite scriptures and I heard her preach it and quote it countless times. I was reminded of it today as we draw closer to Christmas Day… the day we celebrate God’s gift of his son. I think about that scripture alongside the Christmas story.
Leading up to Christmas there is usually such a sense of excitement and anticipation even from those who don’t celebrate for the right reasons. There are the countless hours spent cleaning, decorating, buying gifts and cooking those scrumptious dishes. Then there is the anticipation of time spent with family and friends and the giving and receiving of gifts. Also, for those of us who know him there’s the joy in knowing that this is the season that he came. However, as I think about the Christmas story I praise and thank God for prophecy fulfilled…
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
But, when I think about John 14 I’m filled with even greater anticipation knowing that he’s gone to prepare a place for me. While I’m on earth preparing for Christmas which is a celebration of his birth he’s in heaven preparing for me. I’m in no big hurry to see the place he’s preparing but that doesn’t stop me from thinking about it. And as I look at the verses I could hear a sweet verse saying in my mind, “let not your heart be troubled, believe God.” So as I continue to countdown the days to Christmas I also think about and anticipate another celebration in another place.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3
My dd and I were talking about mansions yesterday. I’m relieved that you said “I am in no hurry” as I was feeling bad that I felt that way. It isn’t that I love this world more than the Lord, it’s just that I want to be here for my daughter and give her a strong upbringing so she’s well equipped when she faces the world on her own. Well, not completely on her own but you know what I mean.
Oh my,,,,,, I woke up this morning and sitting at my computer and thinking about the Lord.. praying for the different ladies and that scripture came to mind……. In my Fathers house are many mansions……… how great is that promise…………He has gone to fix it up and He is coming back for me…… oh my ……. How I love my Lord……….
I did enjoy your post today………
You are a sweet blessing.
You know, Bernadine – I think John 14 goes very well with the Christmas season. Another gift from Him, just not here on earth, but something to come – how sweet will that be 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your Mom’s favorite passage with us this beautiful season.
Blessings to you and yours – hope your Christmas was awesome 🙂
Bernadine,
I enjoyed read this post. A definite keeper for a repbulish for next year. Thank you! 🙂