We’re in a series to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation for Christmas. (Notice each additional week’s article in this series has another candle lit in the main featured image.)
This is the second article in the series. With Christmas closing in, it’s time to consider your right hand.
Right Hand
In Advent #1 article Prepare Your Heart For Christmas, we said – “The Christmas Advent Season has been celebrated many years. Historically, an advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event. Often, a wreath with candles has been used during Christmas Advent, lighting a new candle on each of four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Even if you choose not to use a wreath with candles, there are simple, thoughtful ways you can prepare your heart.”
So, why are we discussing your right hand in a series that prepares your heart for Christmas? Well, Scripture uses the right hand as a symbol of –
- ability
- strength
- power
- protection
- resources.
God uses His right hand as a gesture of love and support as you navigate life. Incidentally, He offers to strengthen your right hand with His right hand so you lack nothing – especially helpful to remember during this busy season!
God wants Advent and Christmas to be a special time between you and Him.
Who’s Got Your Right Hand?
So, who’s got your right hand as you prepare for Christmas?
Is. 41: 13 says, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid . . . for I, Myself, will help you . . .”
That verse states God will help you at all times – including during Christmas. He wants to share wisdom and friendship with you. So, you don’t have to fear or be dismayed. Relax into Him during these days and weeks of preparation. He promises three things: (Is. 41:10)
- I am with you.
- I’ll strengthen you.
- And I’ll uphold you.
Therefore, you can have confidence and peace even in busy holiday times as you prepare your heart. Jesus will guide you in this busy season. He offers comfort in losses and resources in need.
So, turn to Him for help as you make preparations.
Let’s explore five ways you can keep your right hand well-attached to God’s right hand.
1. Your God Will Help
God identifies Himself as your God. He – “takes hold of your right hand” – like an intimate friend. Even more, He says – “Do not fear; I will help you.”
Do you need help holding things together? Is it ever overwhelming to keep things on track? Sometimes fatigue, expectations from others, or even keeping meaningful traditions creates added strain. In all these situations, Emmanuel wants to help. . . as He holds your right hand!
A Strong, Personable God
Hear the Scripture – “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord . . . will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak . . . Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Is. 40:28-31)
This Scripture is saying – God:
- Will not grow tired or weary.
- Has understanding no one fathoms.
- Gives strength to the weary.
- Increases power to the weak.
During demanding times, you need this kind of help. Especially when you are working hard to make this season meaningful for others who are special to you. You want them to know Jesus, to see how Christmas is a key to relationship with God, and to fathom God’s love proved in a manger.
You need a powerful, loving right hand holding your own when you are tired, lack understanding, run out of strength, or feel weak.
Let God place His right hand on your right hand.
2. Comfort For Your Right Hand
“Comfort My people, says your God . . . He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” (Is. 40:1-2, 11)
Because God is concerned about comfort – His resources are immediately available – if you believe. Since He offers His right hand to your right hand, why not draw close to Him in your heart?
Barriers To Comfort
God speaks comfort into your life. He promises to swap out double blessing for sins. As your Shepherd, He carries you close to His heart, leading in your busy days (or even difficult days) with strength and gentleness.
So, what barriers keep you from God’s comfort? Remarkably, a tender shepherd came in a manger, pursued a cross, became your sin and sacrifice – all to tear down all barriers. So, it’s up to you to keep these barriers down. Nevertheless, God will help you do this.
Therefore, it’s critical to stay close to God and choose comfort!
Let Him comfort you with His right hand on your right hand.
3. Flee On Your Horse
“This is what the Sovereign Lord . . . says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee . . . Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Is. 30:15-18)
Baby Jesus grew up wrapped in humanity to pay for sin and model how to partner with Father. And do, in this life where there is precious little peace, quietness, and confidence – these qualities can be yours.
You are given one life span and a free will. Since your will is all you have control over, how are you managing your will? Are you going to flee from God on some horse? What is that horse? Why not accept His amazing help?
You can know Emmanuel as a dear friend. Then peace, joy, and comfort are yours – even in stressful times.
Let Him place His right hand on your right hand by turning to Him.
4. Agree With God
To keep your stride and remain fresh as you prepare for Christmas, grab God’s right hand by faith. On a practical level, that means – agree with God. He promises to – “. . . meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
God provides a foundation for your life. However, it’s up to you to build on it. Is. 28:16 says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” (Is. 28:16) So, in your stressful busy times, perhaps even painful, sorrowful times – agree with Him by turning to Him.
God designed your heart. When you agree with God, you gain a place of rest. Then, you find strength rising in your heart to meet demands of any scenario.
So, what keeps you from God’s provisions? What keeps you fleeing on your horse?
If you dismount your horse and turn to Him in faith, and if you trust Him for His intervention and provision, you will find everything you need, including contentment.
Agree with God.
Let Him place His right hand on your right hand by agreeing with Him.
5. Perfect Peace In Times Of Need
Our world desperately needs peace and not just at Christmas. Peace is a gift God gives. Do you live in His peace?
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Is. 26:3)
Since God is for you, depend on Him in all life scenarios – even busy holiday times. God designed rhythms of life to include cycles of need. You are not sinful for having needs. Sin enters when you seek to meet your needs outside of Christ – or when you let your needs control you.
Why not let God meet your needs His way and in His timing? He loves you and is already aware of everything you need.
Consequently, the one who trusts in Jesus will not be put to shame. Let your cycles of need propel you into God.
Let Him place His right hand on your right hand (your power center) in your times of need.
Application Questions and Thoughts
- Are you reaching with your right hand to hold God’s right hand – His power center?
- Are you accepting God’s comfort?
- What horse have you been fleeing on? Why?
- What do you need to change to agree with God?
- Have you embraced God’s promised perfect peace by faith?
God’s got your right hand with His powerful right hand!
Two Great Christmas Resources In Our Bookstore:
- Get practical action steps to make your preparations easier and meaningful. Prepare For Christmas Without Missing It. (e-book)
2. Prepare your heart with meaningful, short snippets each December day. Celebrate Advent: A Life Response To Emmanuel. (paperback, e-book) Much of today’s content came from this resource. This book is our most-loved and used. Why not find out why?
Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.
