“For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell…” – Colossians 1:19

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth… From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace…” John 1:14, 16

Here we stand at the foot of Christmas’ door. It is the 24th of December, the day when only the brave and desperate attempt any road within a mile of any mall in the U.S. The day when all kindness and caution is set aside and all general rules of the road are subject to change. Here we are frantically readying our homes, our gifts, our food, and our liquor bars, and our Christmas sweaters and dresses for what guests shall come, what celebrations shall ensue, and what gifts shall be given and received.

Yet with all the great memories created, good times enjoyed, and traditions relived will we forget to open our hearts this Christmas?

It was the voice of a child that reminded us once again that this is all about something much greater than the traditions we’ve created and the plans we’ve made for this glorious day. It was the voice of our two and a half year old daughter who said this morning, “I’m so excited for Christmas.””You are?” My wife replied, “Why?” “Because Baby Jesus is coming.” Gianna excitedly stated. “Is he coming to our house?” Angela questioned. “No, Baby Jesus is coming in my heart!” exclaimed our toddler.

Needless to say my heart melted in that moment as it would for any father who is trying to raise his children with mindfulness of God. Neither my wife or I can remember explicitly telling her that “baby Jesus was coming in her heart.” Yet with all the prayers and discussion about Advent and the coming Christmas season our daughter truly has gotten that which we as adults so often forget.

For as we stand here at the foot of Christmas’ door it is indeed Christ who stands at the foot of our heart, waiting in eager anticipation that we might let him in. This little baby has come to save not only the world, but more specifically, you and I. Yes, we speak so much during advent of our own eager anticipation of the Christ child. We listen to and read the prophets who were so eagerly awaiting the Messaiah for thousands upon thousands of years. We wait in “joyful hope” for our savior to come. We work to prepare the way of the Lord… all of this is true, all of this is good.

Imagine the eager and joyful anticipation of our Lord and savior, our God and father, and the Holy Spirit – life giver who have sought so desperately to join us back into union since the fall. Imagine their “joyful hope” as they stand at the door and knock in eager anticipation that you and I might indeed let them in.

Yes, Baby Jesus is coming and he is indeed coming into our hearts. Might you make some time this Christmas to stop, pray, and let him in. For as St. John tells us, “in Him, all the Fullness was pleased to dwell.” (John 1:14) What is that fullness, it is Grace – the sufficient Grace that we need to encounter all of life’s joys and trials. Who would not want this “fullness” to come and dwell in their hearts?

Whether or not you have taken time out to prepare your heart during this Advent season, today is the day to stop and pray asking Baby Jesus to come and be born in your heart. I pray that your Christmas is more than it has ever been, may this Christmas bring a new heart, a new way of knowing the Christ child in your heart.

- Christopher Faddis

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