12.1.17 // Expecting the Messiah: The Advent of Christ
It’s December 1! The Christmas season has officially commenced. Thanksgiving is over, and it’s time to put up our trees, finish (or start!) our Christmas shopping, and make plans for the activities of the season. We are now allowed to listen to Christmas music without being judged! BUT before we get wrapped up in all of the extra “stuff” that the season brings, let’s focus our minds and hearts on the true reason that Christmas is celebrated. JESUS. JESUS. Immanuel. God with us. God becoming man in the form of a humble baby. JESUS. The name above all names. The wonderful counselor. The mighty God. The everlasting father. The prince of peace. JESUS. The lamb that was slain. The unblemished, willing sacrifice. The compassionate Savior. As cheesy and cliché as it sounds, Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. When I was growing up, our church always lit the advent candles each Christmas season as a reminder of the coming of Jesus. Each year, different child...