what does jesus want this Christmas?

December 1st is the beginning of the season of advent, the time Christians throughout history have traditionally started preparing their hearts and minds to celebrate the coming of the Savior at Christmas. One of the best ways to do that is by building our anticipation with daily reading and reflection on Scriptures about the coming of Jesus.

Desiring God is an organization that has provided a fantastic resource for daily advent readings. I encourage you to download it and read each day starting on December 1st. Here is an excerpt from the introduction and a link to find the whole document.

“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” - John 17:24

What does Jesus want this Christmas?

​We can see the answer in his prayers. What does he ask God for? His longest prayer is John 17. The climax of his desire is in verse 24. Among all the undeserving sinners in the world, there are those whom God has “given to Jesus.” These are those whom God has drawn to the Son (John 6:44, 65). These are Christians—people who have “received” Jesus as the crucified and risen Savior and Lord and Treasure of their lives (John 1:12; 3:17; 6:35; 10:11, 17–18; 20:28). Jesus says he wants them to be with him....