Thursday, December 14

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

What a year it’s been. 2017 has been marked by unprecedented natural disasters, national discord, and all-around suffering for so many. Sure, we’ve had our ups to counteract the downs; I don’t think anyone in this city will soon forget the kindness shown in the aftermath of Harvey, nor the recent celebration and comradery of our Astros World Series win. Speaking frankly, though, I think more than anything we’re all just exhausted.

It’s been said a thousand times before that Americans really miss the mark on the true meaning of Christmas. We’re worn thin and stressed out; we each have, in our own unique way, a heart of stone. But 2017 is not the same as its predecessors. This season marks the culmination of an extraordinary year, the good and the bad unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Our usual gripes about the hustle and bustle of the holidays have been replaced (or at least muffled) by our newfound appreciation for what really matters.

God calls us to constantly throw out the old and accept a new spirit in Christ. Yes, our circumstances have certainly changed dramatically, but it is our hearts – our new, pure, motivated, vulnerable, accepting, grateful hearts of flesh – which only we can choose to embrace this Advent.