Worship Christ the King

Matthew 2: 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
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Philippians 2: 9-10 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
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My husband loves the motif of Santa worshipping the Christ Child. We have quite a few of them around the house. He's even made a cut out, painted version for the front lawn. While we enjoy the songs about Santa, and the bright red decorations (I have been known to don a Santa hat a time or two), our family believes that Jesus is the reason for the season. All of the holiday trappings of decorations, food, gifts and fun all pale in comparison to the knowledge and understanding that Jesus Christ, son of God, came into the world for all people. Because none of us is perfect, and we need His powerful work on the cross to save us from our sins and make us right before Almighty God.
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Sent for this mission by God the Father, God has exalted Him and given Him the highest homage. The Magi (kingly types) came to him and worshipped at His birth. We stand on the Hallelujah Chorus because the first time it was played for royalty in England, the King and Queen stood to honor the one who is King of kings and Lord of lords.
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He deserves our attention, our very hearts and our worship. Let all that is Christmas bow down and give Him first place.

Peace on Earth

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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I worked as a missionary nurse for 10 years in Guinea, West Africa. This morning I awoke to the news that the president of that country who has been in power since my time there has died. It has left a void of power, as is often the case in many African nations. It has thrown the country into a sense of chaos with others grabbing for power.

He died 2 days before Christmas, during a time that we pray for peace on earth, goodwill towards men. Certainly we must pray for the peace of Guinea, just as we pray for the peace of all nations.

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The Advent season is a time of anticipation, to prepare our heart for His coming. He came to reconcile the world to Himself, and to bring peace to the world. Ultimately we await His second coming to fulfill all.

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Thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world. Grant me peace this day, and enable me to faithfully pray for the peace of the world.

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Isa 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

An Instrument of Peace

Luke 2: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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I am struck today by the difference between the King James version (KJV) of this verse, "peace on earth, goodwill towards men," and the New International Version (NIV) seen above. The New American Standard Version says "peace among men with whom He is pleased."

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So what might this verse mean regarding peace? After reasearching this a bit, I find the original langauge it was written in to show that peace comes through man's relationship with God. It spreads out from His people. I like the way Adam Clarke's commentary puts it.

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"When men become reconciled to God, through the death of his Son, they love one another. They have peace with God; peace in their own consciences; and peace with their neighbours: good will dwells among them, speaks in them, and works by them." Adam Clarke

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May I radiate peace this day in all I do. May I touch others. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "Lord make me an instrument of thy peace."

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Prince of Peace

Isa 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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The last week of Advent is about Peace. So much is in turmoil in the world. The world financial crisis. Riots recently spilled over around Europe from a Greece incident. Terrorist threats. War.

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In the era of Christ's birth there was a lot of turmoil in the world, too. Herod was a mad ruler who made erratic decisions. But he was just a pawn for the Roman government that dominated the world scene. Life in Israel was hard and people were poor. Reckless political groups abound threatening to take over.

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Life ebbs and flows. There are golden ages and nations tumble. In my life too, there are seasons of great joy and times of great difficulty. But it doesn't matter. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brings peace to my life in a way no one else can. In fact, it is in the turmoil that I call on Him more.

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Philippiens 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Fourth Sunday : Angel Candle

Lu 1:19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news."
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It is totally appropriate for angels to appear all over the Christmas story. One appears to Zechariah to announce John the Baptist's birth. Then one appears to Mary to tell her that she is chosen to bear the Christ Child. Next, Joseph hears from an angel that it is OK to take Mary as his wife because she is bearing God's only son. The angel of the Lord and a heavenly host of angels gives a fabulous performance to the shepherds the night of Jesus' birth. Finally an angel tells Joseph to flee with the Child to Egypt for His protection from Herod.
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In all of these cases, the angel speaks for God. I like what Gabriel explains to Zachariah in the verse for today. He explains that he comes from God's presence. He is a sent one. And he comes bearing Good News.
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"Good News" seems to be a theme. The shepherds also hear that the angel comes with Good News.
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Sometimes I have wished an angel would appear and tell me what to do or proclaim to me the glory of God at work in my life. And yet the Good News and the Glory of God is right in front of me. It is found in the Word of God, the Bible. In fact, one version is called the Good News Bible.
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This advent devotional has been good for me. I have dug into the Good News of the story of the Christ Child daily and reflected on it throughout the day. I guess I don't need a personal angel! Just get into the Word!

The Overjoyed Kings

Matthew 2: 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

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The wise men travelled from a distant land following a star. They passed through Jerusalem first, looking for the King of the Jews. Somehow they knew this from studying the star. King Herod directed them on toward Bethlehem. They may have travelled for a time without the star due to cloudy skies. But they continued. Then at the place where Jesus lay, they saw the star again and were overjoyed.
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These worshippers were not Jews. They travelled a long ways to find the Christ Child. This shows us over again that Christ came not only for one people, but for all nations.
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Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing

Psalm 67:4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
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In our travels around Europe we have encountered St. Nicholas churches everywhere. For us, he is an image of Santa Claus in a jolly red suit. He is fictional, surrounded by images of materialism.

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But around Europe, from St. Petersburg and Italy to Greece, he is an example of a saint who loved children and took care of them. He is buried in a church in Bari, Italy. The story of how they got his body involves stealing by cloak of night like a trophy. But to them his body reminded the people to Bari to live a more holy life.

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Christ came into the world to bring all peoples and all nations to himself. The church around the world is alive and well - in many places more vibrant than in the US and Europe. Truly His birth was a time of JOY for the world.

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Both photos taken in Bari, Italy in November.

Mary's Joy

John 16:21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her JOY that a child is born into the world.

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We have glorified the manger. By that I mean that we have such lovely, sweet pictures and manger displays set up that look like something from Currier and Ives. We forget that there the Christ Child was born at night in a place that wasn't a house. So it was probably freezing cold. And it was dark. Oh, there may have been an olive oil lantern or a candle burning. But Mary and Joseph were travelling and weren't very rich. So I'll bet you couldn't see very well. And there were animals most likely there - or had been kept there for years. The smell, um, you know what I mean. And if there were animals in there, they were probably very restless and noisy because their nice quiet barn had been invaded.

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Close your eyes and visualize with me. Feel the cold. Imagine it's hard to see in the dark. Smell the animals. Hear a restless sheep piercing the night with his high pitched bleats.

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Now imagine you are a teenager who has never even been intimate, in labor. Truly God did something amazing bringing Jesus into the world in this way; this place. Our verse today calls childbirth under any circumstances anguish.

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But imagine Mary's joy when Jesus was born and she looked into the eyes of the Son of God! Maybe that's why the manger scene looks so lovely and sweet.

Great Joy

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.

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The shepherds stood in awe to see an angel shining in the sky. The message was one a great JOY. Not just happiness. Not just joy. Great joy.

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I didn't think the month of December would be all that daunting or hectic this year. But here on December 17th I feel exhausted and behind on my to-do list. Yesterday I was an absolute pill around the house. I prayed to find some peace and joy in the midst of it all. I don't want to miss the spiritual wonder of Christmas.

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Give me a piece of that joy, Lord. Great joy.

Incredible joy

Luke 1:44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for JOY.

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The story that goes with our verse of the day is about the moment when Mary, in her first trimester with Jesus, goes to visit her aunt, Elizabeth, who is an elderly woman expecting John the Baptist. Up until this point, Elizabeth has been growing as if pregnant, but the baby has not yet moved. Perhaps some doubt has crouched in her mind. Could this be a tumor instead of a baby? After all she is well along in years.
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Yet the moment Mary (who may not even be obviously pregnant yet) shows up unannounced (no e-mail back then), the child that Elizabeth has been carrying leaps for joy.
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This is incredible. What a confirmation this must have been to Elizabeth about her little miracle. And young Mary may have had her first goosebump moment, as she realizes the power of the Son of God growing within her. It launches the two women into a praise session unparalleled in the Scriptures.
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Incredible joy. The joy of the Christ child.
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Photo taken near our home last week during a frosty day.

Son of Joy

Lu 1:14 He will be a JOY and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth

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This week in advent we will be exploring the theme of JOY, especially related to Christ's birth. Our verse today states what the angel told Zachariah about the birth of their son, John the Baptist.

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This devout couple had been childless into their old age. For them, in the era of Bible times, it was a curse and a stigma. Yet, God allowed them to suffer for awhile so He could show His glory, His power and His divine plan through their lives. In fact they suffered through all the years of their married life.

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But then God gave them a miraculous son who would point the world to the Messiah. And that son would be source of great joy and delight. I can only imagine.

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Sometimes we go through barren times and periods that seem unbearable. I have. But through it all, I find that God has had a purpose for it and He shines through.

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Isaiah 61:3and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

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Photo taken Saturday at Spa, Belgium at their Christmas market.

Third Sunday: Shepherd's Candle

Luke 2: 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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The shepherd had a short night. If one had wanted to catch some sleep while watching the sheep, it was not to be the night of Christ's birth. Those angels came and sang in heavenly chorus. After the angels left, we are told they had a discussion. The consensus was to go into Bethlehem to see that which the angels told them about. I imagine even the sleepiest, the grumpiest or the biggest cynic among them must have been curious, if nothing else.

Once the decision was made to see this spectacle, they hurried to find the the manger with the Christ child. And their lives were never the same again.

One encounter with the Christ child and one is never the same. They left telling everyone they saw about Him. And back at the field, among the bleating, droppings and chill in the air, they found themselves glorifying and praising God. Why? For all they heard and saw was just as they had been told. God is faithful. And He is amazing. What joy!

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Photo taken of a field in Scotland.

Joseph's Love

Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

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What is love? We read a lot in the Bible of God's love as our Heavenly Father. We don't know very much about Joseph, Mary's husband. Surely he, too, was chosen by God to come along side Mary and help shepherd Jesus in His young years. I truly believe he loved Mary and Jesus.

As I have read the Christmas story again this year, I have been impressed with Joseph. In Matthew 1 we can tell that he was a righteous man. He cared about doing the right thing in people's eyes, but he also did not want to bring any disgrace upon Mary.

Songwriter, Michael Card, has written a song called "Joseph's Song."

How could it be this baby in my arms

Sleeping now, so peacefully

The Son of God, the angel said

How could it be

Lord I know He's not my own

Not of my flesh, not of my bone

Still Father let this baby be

The son of my love

You Tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BARVAg0gl6w

Ps 103: 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.

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Photo of my husband and his son in October, on a walk.

A Mother's Love

Isaiah 49:15"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

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Seeing a first time mother with a new baby makes me smile. She radiates joy, love, and a new sense of purpose. That baby is treated as special cargo.

Recently I noticed a mother cat and her kitten. She let her kitten eat first, even though she was hungry. She didn't want anyone to take it away either. See her scowl in the picture?

So even in the animal kingdom, it is natural for a mother to have compassion on her offspring.

I would have loved to see Mary's face the first day she held Jesus in her arms. Imagine the compassion swelling in her heart. God, too, was looking down on His one and only Son. Amazing love.

God loves us with that same intensity. Maybe even more. In Isaiah He implies it's absurd that a mother would not have compassion for her child. But even if some mother in a moment of craziness might, He will never, EVER forget us or stop loving us. Bask in that love right now.
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Above photo taken at a volunteer event I attended in November. The cats photo was taken near our home.

God's Love for the World

John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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My husband and I love to travel and explore this world. No matter where we have lived, we branch out and learn about history, cultures and the people who live there. Whether we go for a weekend to Scotland, or New Orleans, we prefer not to eat at McDonalds or some other chain restaurant, but to find some Mom and Pop hole in the wall restaurant and people watch while we wait for our meal.

Our vocations have given us many opportunities to touch people of other cultures to draw them to know Jesus. We pray as a family for the world. God sent His Son into the world for me, to save me from my sins. But He did that for every human being, of every culture and language group, too.

Joy to the world

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:

Let earth receive her King.

Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and heaven and nature sing.

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Photo taken a November morning as our cruise ship came into Venice.

How God Showed His Love

1John 4:9 This is how God showed his LOVE among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

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There are many allegorical stories about Jesus being sent from heaven to live among men. Paul Harvey tells the story, "The Birds" about an athiest trying to help birds find shelter from a snowstorm in a barn; then saying, "if only I were a bird, I could tell them..." http://www.tyny.com/christmasstory.html

I saw a movie once about a man who saw some ants in trouble and wanted to send his son to help them, as an ant.

A hymn that captures this theme has the chorus like this:

Ivory Palaces

Out of the ivory palaces,

Into a world of woe,

Only His great eternal love

Made my Savior go.

This is love.

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Photo taken outside our house the other day. Frost outlining roses.

A Throne Established in Love

Isaiah 16:5 In LOVE a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

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Living in Europe for a time we've seen a lot of castles. It is fascinating to explore the world of ancient kings and queens.

How do all great kings come into the world? As a baby, of course. And God sent His son into the world, destined to be a ruler bringing justice and righteousness. Only this King wasn't born in a mansion or a castle to someone known to be a king already. He was born in a lowly manger.

So the drama plays out throughout His life... exactly what kind of blessed ruler is this Messiah? It didn't look like what the Jews expected.

But He was and is a King established out of LOVE.

Love: An everlasting covenant

Isaiah 55:3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful LOVE promised to David.

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Our son, Bob, works at a bowling center. He also loves to bowl. However he has a form of autism that results in super sensitive hearing. So he happily prefers to wear muffs on his ears to protect them from the sound of crashing bowling pins.

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We play a little game at our house. We have a dinner bell. My husband likes to jingle it as softly as he can to see if our son can hear it. Often he does! While he can clearly hear the bell no matter how soft, part of it may be the expectation of dinner that he is tuned for.

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This verse in Isaiah wants me to tune in to what God is saying. The promise is that listening to God is life to my soul. Living for Him draws us into an everlasting covenant with the Christ Child. That is because the Christ Child is the Messiah promised to David.

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Isaiah 16:5 In LOVE a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Second Sunday: Bethlehem Candle

Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

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Luke 2:4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
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Bethlehem was a small town. Like many elements in the Christmas story, it was ordinary, unimpressive and small. In the birth of Christ we can extract many lessons. A reoccurring theme throughout the Bible is that God can do great things through ordinary, even flawed people, or through paltry resources. God loves to take the something unassuming and make something wondrous out of it.

Why does He do this? The answer is found over and over in Scriptures. But perhaps the best explanation is His Glory. When it is obvious that man is not the powerful, wonderful element, God shines through in His Glory.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

So for me, when I feel small and insignificant, I must realize that God can use me just as I am.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

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The following Sundays in Advent follow different traditions with different churches. Sometimes the sequence is Bethlehem, Shepherds, Angels. Or Love, Joy, Peace. I have decided for the Sunday candles to follow Bethlehem, Shepherds and Angels and Love, Joy Peace during the week.

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The above photo was taken in November in Rhodes, Greece, in the old city. It reminds me of what the streets of Bethlehem looked like when I visited there in the late 90s.

The Blessed Hope

Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed HOPE—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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While the saints of the Old Testament looked forward to the Messiah, we have the blessed hope of waiting for the second coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. We look with anticipating to the sky, saying come, Lord Jesus! We long for the day when we will be at your side.

I believe the best song for the season of Advent is: O come o come Immanuel.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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The above photo was taken at Santorini, Greece in November.

The Power of the Story

Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE.

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We were in Venice in November right before starting our Mediterranean cruise. In Venice we visited the old Jewish part of town. In the photo above you see an artist we met who brings to life pages from the Old Testament in drawings and tablets. Her work was colorful and meaningful.

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God's word continues to be explored and passed on. The stories therein teach us and encourage us for what we need each day. The Christmas story is preserved beautifully for us to read, study and find encouragement too. May it bring HOPE to your heart this day.

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God Rest you Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Hope: Excitement in my heart

Isaiah 42:4 He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their HOPE.

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Prophecy is often part of the first week of Advent. There are hundreds of Old Testament passages that point to the coming of the Christ Child as well as his ministry, death, resurrection and eternal reign as King of Kings. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/messianicprophecies.html

The fact that the Bible is so accurate gives hope. We can trust it and we can trust Him.

In the Old Testament days, there was great expectation for the coming of the Messiah. They didn't know what it would look like. They didn't know how God would do it. But God would send someone who would be their Redeemer and their King. But many held great excitement in their heart because of the prophecies they expected would be fulfilled. (Luke 2: 25-38, Simeon and Anna)

If only we could catch a bit of that excitement and anticipation. Our kids look forward to opening the gifts under the tree, knowing we buy them with intention understaanding what they love. This year, might I find some anticipation in my heart for Christmas because it commemorates of the Christ Child's arrival into the world? Not just the mystery of revealed Christmas presents stashed under the tree or the lovely holiday meal planned?

Lord, Teach me excitement in my heart for YOU.
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This above photo was taken recently in the Greek Islands.

The Color Purple

2 Corinthians 1: 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our HOPE that he will continue to deliver us.

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The traditional colors of advent are significant. I think of red, green and gold being great Christmas colors for decorating the house. If you've seen the Advent wreath in many churches, you'll see they are either purple (with a 4th pink candle), or a royal or navy blue.

That's because purple and blue in the Bible symbolize royalty. Jesus, the Christ Child who came to earth is the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16), the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). How amazing that this Royal One loves us so much.

Purple is also considered a color of fasting and the seeking of forgiveness. I don't usually think of the Christmas season being one of fasting. In fact, I tend to eat more the month of December than any other month of the year! But fasting causes us to yearn for food and thus yearn for God as we direct our deprivation drives to Him in prayer. Hmmm, might not be a bad idea to fast a time or two this month! Might even help my waist line.

Read our verse of the day again. He is our deliverer. Our deliverer from our sins. Our powerful, awesome KING who loves us so much. And that gives us hope.
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Photo taken recently in Scotland at a cottage by the sea.

Hope is our anchor

Hebrews 6:19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
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We recently travelled to the Mediterranean where we saw a lot of sea vessels. Some of the anchors for big ships are unbelievable. Even the lines that hold them are as thick as my arm or thicker! We voyaged where the Apostle Paul travelled on the seas. He was shipwrecked three times on his missionary journeys. (2 Corinthians 11:25) Certainly the New Testament writers knew the importance of an anchor.

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Our hope, this hope in the Christ Child, is an anchor to our soul. It is the one sure thing in this world when everything else is in chaos. When your 401k is dwindling away... when terrorists create fear... and when everything we know seems uncertain... we know Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

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As we approach Christmas day, take a moment today to thank Him for coming into the world and into your heart. Thank Him for His stabilizing presence in your life. And if your life feels out of control, ask Him to touch you and remind you that He is your hope, your anchor. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

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The above photos were taken in November in Rhodes, Greece

Hope

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11: 1-2

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The advent wreath has four candles lit for four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. The first candle is the candle of hope and expectation. This week we will be exploring and celebrating the hope we have in Christ!

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In Scotland last weekend, my husband and I followed no famous route. We just drove through the country. We fell upon a picturesque Episcopal church and cemetery in Challoch on this frosty morning and wandered around the grave sites, letting our feet sink into the rich Scottish heather. These graves indicated the hope of the resurrection!

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At the center of the front of the church, the minister who was the founder was buried. His wife inscribed on his grave her hope of seeing him again in glory!

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Because of the Christ Child, we have hope. As Hebrews 11:2 reminds us: This is what the ancients were commended for.

Anticipation

We just got back from a wonderful weekend in Scotland. Here is a photo taken from the plane as we were about 10 minutes out from our destination. The sky was beautiful.

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We love to travel. I wondered what kind of adventures awaited us for the next 2 days. What would we see? Would I get to eat fish and chips? Was the rain, sleet or snow they predicted going to hamper our enjoyment? Might I find some meaningful treasure to bring home? What would it be like? Soon I'd find out.

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Advent is kind of like that. The word "Advent" means "coming" or "arrival." The purpose of the Advent Season in the church is to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We can use it to contemplate the arrival of Christ in the world, as we anticipate Christmas morning. And we can use it to contemplate the arrival of Christ's Second Coming. It takes many hues. Advent for me is sometimes mulling over His coming into my life and transforming the way I think and live.

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Ten minutes before arriving in Scotland, I was filled with anticipation for the wonderful journey of world travel. This next 25 days I am filled with anticipation as we reflect together the coming of Christ.

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Oh come, oh come Immanuel.

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Anticipation.

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Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.