Christmas time is coming. There are always those certain signs and that we all recognize and that tell us Christmas is on the way. Black Friday, the busiest and sometimes most frightful shopping day of the year, is one of those signs. There are Holiday/Christmas advertisements everywhere you go. And the music changes on the radio to familiar Christmas tunes. Another thing that seems to spike during this time is advertisements for financial payment plans, so that we can be sure “afford” all of the countless gifts that we just “have” to buy for everyone. Then, everywhere around the world wide web takes on it’s seasonal Christmas appearance too. Afterall, it’s all part of the “Christmas/Holiday Spirit” right? However, I propose that the most important signal should be that it’s the beginning of Advent.
What is Advent? It’s the time of year that we set aside and prepare to remember Jesus, the Christ child who came to earth to live among us. As Christians and disciples of Christ, we recognize this year around. But we have an “Advent Season” to help us consider closely, once again, that God took on human form and secured our redemption.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of Christmas activities like shopping, family gatherings, events, etc. So, this year let’s try to slow down a bit and regain our composure and refocus our minds. Let’s take time for Advent and work on preparing our hearts to celebrate Jesus, our Lord, who loved us so much that He laid His glory by, and came here to save us. And let us prepare to welcome Him back when He returns! There’s nothing more exciting and wonderful than this!
You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 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.
Isaiah 40:9-11
