Christ Our Shepherd Advent Devotion Series 2023
Tradition Thursday
December 21, 2023
Jeff Williams
Please enjoy this advent meditation written by Jeff Willliams, one of our newest members.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. –James 1:17
I was running out of time (and money). I wanted to propose to my long-time girlfriend before she left to visit her family at Christmas. For awhile, I had been taking her out to nice (expensive) restaurants for dinner with the intention of proposing afterward. But for some reason, after each dinner, I couldn’t get the words out.
It was now desperation time. She was leaving the next day. Out of fancy dining options, I took her to a pizza place and felt the pressure building. After dinner, I asked if she would come back to my town house to look at the Christmas tree I’d put up. As we arrived, I suddenly felt a calm (or a nudge?) that must have been God’s hand on my shoulder. Standing in front of the tree with Christmas music playing in the background, I told her I loved her and wanted to be with her for the rest of my life.
God’s “nudge” and that marriage blessing were 38 years ago and are still going strong, including two children, each born close to Christmas. The gifts and blessings of a loving, supportive family are reinforced in me around Christmastime, along with the perfect Gift from God in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear God, This Christmas season I ask that all can feel your “nudge” reassuring them of their worth and salvation through your son Jesus. Amen
