What Jesus wants for Christmas

Good News of Great Joy, daily readings for Advent by John Piper

Jesus wants most for Christmas is that his elect be gathered in and then get what they want most--to see his glory and then savor it with the very savoring of the Father for the Son.

"Father, show them my glory and give them the very delight in me that you have in me."  Oh, may we see Christ with the eyes of God and savor Christ with the heart of God.  That is that essence of heaven.  That is the gift Christ came to purchase for sinners at the cost of his death in our place.

Prepare the Way

First, meditate on the fact that we need a Savior, Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight.

Second, engage in sober self-examination.  Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter.  "Search me O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139:23-24

Third, build God-centered anticipation and expectancy and excitement into your home and around others.  If you are excited about Christ, others will be too.

Fourth, be much in the Scriptures, and memorize the great passages!  "is not my word like fire, says the Lord!" Jeremiah 23:29  

Gather around that fire this season.  It is warm.  It is sparkling with colors of grace.  It is healing for a thousand hurts.  It is light from dark nights.