Something New Has Begun

Something New Has Begun 5MfF 12.12.13 pic

Advent is the season of waiting expectantly and preparing our hearts for the arrival of Baby Jesus. We reflect on the miraculous conception, the birth in lowest of conditions, and the fulfillment of the prophecy…

…the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

We rejoice on Christmas morning—Christ is born!

And then…Christmas is over. Or at least that’s how it feels. We put the Christmas decorations away and go back to our busy lives as usual.

But really, our lives are anything but usual now. In the waiting and preparing our hearts during Advent, we find ourselves changed. As if, something new has begun…

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)

God began something new with the birth of His Son—He set His plan of salvation in motion. And we will never be the same.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

Because of God’s love for us, something new has begun and we are forever changed.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

How will your life reflect the change in your heart…long after the Christmas decorations are put away?

Photo credit: Stock illustration: Christmas 1

8 Responses to Something New Has Begun
  1. Lyli
    December 13, 2013 | 10:13 am

    Laura, this is a beautiful Advent reflection. I am so thankful that Christ is working in my life and changing me.

    Thanks for linking up with Thought-Provoking Thursday! 🙂

    • Laura Rath
      December 13, 2013 | 11:16 am

      Thanks for visiting Lyli, and for hosting TPT!

  2. Sharon
    December 13, 2013 | 8:36 pm

    My life will reflect the change in my heart by practicing an attitude of thankfulness and joy. Because of Christmas, my Savior was born into this world and brought me LIFE! Praise His name, I’m so grateful for grace!

    GOD BLESS!

    • Laura Rath
      December 18, 2013 | 10:53 am

      Sharon, I like the idea of “practicing an attitude of thankfulness and joy” because often we have to intentionally practice something before it feels natural. (I’m not saying you don’t already do this…just thinking of when I need to change my habits.)
      Blessings,
      Laura

  3. susie klein
    December 17, 2013 | 2:39 pm

    This is lovely Laura! The message of new beginnings is just right for me today. Thank you!
    Susie

  4. Judith at WholeHearted Home
    December 17, 2013 | 10:25 pm

    Thanks Laura. This was thought provoking.

  5. Vaksinius
    December 19, 2013 | 2:09 am

    The change, or renewal, of my heart will reflect in an anticipation. The baby born unto me will go through seasons, and I will anticipate the harvest. Praised be The Lord!

    • Laura Rath
      December 20, 2013 | 12:01 pm

      Amen! Thanks for your comment, and Merry Christmas!