convinced...

I am convinced...

The best gift to be unwrapped this Christmas...
Cannot be purchased from Target.
Though... most things amazing on planet Earth... 

Are often found at the "bullseye."

But, in all seriousness...

The very best gift...
Contrary to the ever-popular...
"Better to give than receive," clause.
Is in fact...
Receiving.

Saying "YES..."
To the most incredible invitation this world has ever known.
Accepting His gentle motion...
For us to "come."

Even in the midst of the cold days of the soul...
He is desire-FULL...
That, above all...
We would...
Carve out time to sit in the seat He has prepared.
To choose warmth and TRUE joy in the REST of His presence.

Sadly...
This invitation is one that is often drowned out.
Clutter, noise and hurry...
Love to occupy the throne of our hearts.
And, this season...
One specially marked to celebrate the Initiator of such invitations...
Remains mostly overlooked.

But... 
When I am really still...
Really, really still...
I hear...
Him...
Softly singing...

Inviting us on the climb of our lives...
Deeper into His lap of love...
"Come away...

With Me."

Smiling... in the singing.
Smiling... at the thought of being with us.
His face is tender...
Gentle and kind.

"Adventus,"
A season to remember waiting on Him...
Has been turned around.
And...
He is indeed...
Waiting on us.

How do I daily ignore such a bliss-filled invitation?
What is so important that I would decline?

I want to have more "Mary moments."
Giving back...
The very gift...
He desires most...
ME...
Allowing my hunger...
To be my rawest and truest from of worship.

Learning to pause...
Learning to focus on receiving.
Saying, "yes..."
To the still, small, whisper...
So often "feels" contrary to our nature.

It is a CHOICE to motion...
Out of our comfort zones...

Of tasking.

The busyness welcoming at every turn...
Must take a back seat...
To the Gift that keeps on giving.

Accepting His invitation of love
Has incalculable dividends.
Not happening in the malls...
But, in the secret places.
Him...
Alive and active in us...
Is the best gift we can impart to others.
He is the best "re-gift..."
This world has ever known.

And, I am convinced...
More than the latest gadget...
What my growing Smalls...
Desperately desire most...
Is to see...
The Reflection of what I say is true...

Functioned out...
In my very life.

Emmanuel...

Love engraved upon a tree.

God with us!

He is whispering today...
With a longing heart...
"Won't you come away with me?"

There are no "cyber deals..."
On this royal invitation.
The Shepherds and Wisemen knew it best...
Mary...
Perhaps most.
"WATCHING and WAITING..."
Is the one sure way...
To receive...
So that something truly great...
Can again be given away.