Barreness means without life or unproductive. In this Advent Season, let’s focus NOT on the things that fill time, take our energy, destroy our joy, but rather on the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. Don’t let the busyness of this Season take away from the glorious peace that comes with the birth of our Savior and turn it into a barren wasteland of materialism.

Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. When we put our eyes back on that information, there’s a calmness about it. We don’t have to feel the stress of getting things done. Depression doesn’t have to creep into our thoughts. Our minds can wrap around the Savior as tightly as the swaddling clothes Mary dressed Him in.

Christmas and the season preceding it have become a time of preparation, but we often forget what we’re preparing for. Is it the huge dinner we’ll serve – the festive parties – the cookies to be baked – the gifts to buy – the amount of money we spend? Or is it the gift from God in the form of a little baby that makes our hearts glad?

The barrenness of life is not limited to the womb.
We all face empty moments that our souls slowly consume.
We hide from time – we cloak our heads – In closets safe we stay.
We cannot face the guilt or dread. We often run away.
The truth is we can’t hide from God. He sees our every move.
He watches us and let’s us fall – His faithfulness to prove.

He’ll never let us walk alone or ever leave our side.
He loves despite our frailties. He always will abide.
So when you’re feeling empty – like life has passed you by.
Just ask Him to be with you. He answers every cry.
He does it in His timing. He knows just what to do.
His love is everlasting. It’s there for me and you.
Kathy Boecher©