Preparing for Advent

As a reminder, the first Sunday of Advent is November 28th. 

Advent is more than just an observance or something to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It gives us a chance to truly reflect on the "reason for the season". It is so easy for us to forget why we celebrate Christmas while we are concentrating on decorating our homes and buying gifts for family and friends.

With all that is going on, we need to take time for us to remember the night so very long ago when a small child was born in a stable. Although he was born in humble surroundings, he truly was and still is the king of kings and lord of lords. He brought light into the world of darkness, a light that could not be extinguished. 

In chapter one of the gospel that bears his name, John writes, "He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."

As you prepare for Christmas, take time to prepare your hearts for the birth of Jesus and the love and hope that he brought into the world.