“COME TO JESUS!”—WHATEVER YOUR NEED

Ever since Advent began, I’ve been praying: Come, Lord Jesus!

And come he did, in a whirl of stars and shepherds and “Joy to the World” sung into the night.

But Christmas came and went, and although the baby Jesus took his place in the manger in our nativity set, I didn’t feel like Jesus himself was any closer. At Mass as the gospel was read Sunday, I heard “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3) and I thought, That’s me! I have run out of spirit. Lord, where are you? I need you! Come, Lord Jesus!

 

 

And he spoke into my emptiness: Sarah: I’m here. Come to me.

Jesus answers our longing

Advent is meant to increase our longing for Jesus, not just for his coming at Christmas, but for his coming again in glory. We cry to him, like it says in Revelation: Come, Lord Jesus! And he answers: Yes – I’m coming soon (22:17, 20).

Whatever the Lord means by “soon,” it doesn’t always feel soon enough. Fortunately, in the meantime, he calls us: “Come to ME.”

• Come away by yourself (Mark 6:31).
• Come and see (John 1:39–41).
• Come feast on my Word (Matt 4:4).
• Come eat my Body and drink my Blood (John 6:52–58).
• Come follow me (Matt 4:19).
• Come stay with me (Matt 26:40).

If you long to feel the Lord’s presence in a new way, start by hearing his call. He’s waiting in his word and in the sacraments. Look up some of the passages above and pray with them. What do you hear? How will you respond?

Spend time with him in the Word

Maybe one of the following questions resonates with your need. Take a moment to read what Jesus has to say about it. Meditate on the Scripture, “chew” on it and let it become a word for you … in you … transforming you. Speak to the Lord about what you hear. He wants to talk to you! And he wants to come alongside you in your need.

—Are you thirsty with longing?

Come, and I’ll flood you with my living water. (John 7:37–38; Revelation 22:17)

—Are you sick at heart, because you did something wrong?

Come! and I will forgive you and heal you. (Luke 5:31–2; Mark 2:1–12)

—Are you sad? Are you mourning a loss?

Come! and I’ll comfort you. (Matthew 5:4)

—Are you anxious about the future?

Come! and I’ll care for you. (Matthew 6:25–34)

—Are you troubled or afraid?

Come! and I’ll give you peace. (John 14:27)

—Are you over-burdened? Bone-weary with life?

Come! and I’ll give you rest. (Matthew 11:28–30)

 

 

Jesus is calling you.

Let me give myself to you, he says. Eat and drink; find strength for the journey ahead.

Even in the chaos and the depths I am with you, he says.

Come to me! … and I’ll strengthen and bless you and fill you with joy.

 

© 2022 Sarah Christmyer. All rights reserved.