It's arrived. Finally, it's come—Advent! Today is the first Sunday in Advent, a time of anticipation. There's a lot to anticipate: a busy month, eating too much and exercising too little, overspending, visits from family and the change of pace that goes with it(acceleration of pace is in direct comparison to the number of bathrooms available in your home!), and being around a lot of people who are sneezing, coughing, etc. but are bent on not missing the party. Then why even think about Advent? If you don't, you will 'skip Christmas.'The real Christmas that is. Advent books and devotions abound. Use one of them to keep your focus on the gift of God given to all people, the babe in the manger. Bake your cookies, sing carols, decorate your house and tree, enjoy all of your family traditions. But remember the one who came to redeem us will come again to receive us to Himself. Please don't take my word for it—take God's. John 14 is one good place to start. Advent is a gift from God to be treasured. Open His gift to you everyday and the light of Christmas will shine brighter through you.
Take my Advent challenge for today: Be a seeker. Some folks were looking for the Messiah due to God's promise given to us through the prophets. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and let its words focus your heart on the only Gift of the season which really matters. Rejoice in our Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God! He's coming our way!
Mimi D
