For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Many are familiar with the season of Christmas. This is a time when we eagerly wait for time off work. We look forward to family gatherings. We daydream about the food we will eat and the many presents and gifts that will be exchanged. What a wonderful time!
At a time before these things became the center of Christmas for many folks, there was a different kind of expectation in the hearts of faithful people. A season full of hope and anticipation; not for presents or gatherings. Instead, there was a season of believing and waiting for God to fulfill the promise of sending a Messiah. This is what the season of Advent is all about.
Advent is a time when we step into this season of hope and anticipation. We look forward to great and mighty things. We believe that God is coming through with answered prayers. We expect the goodness of God to shine more abundantly as each day brings us near to the final celebration. And we are careful to make the coming of Christ what truly gives meaning to all of it.
I pray that our hearts are full of hope as we look forward. I pray that the coming of Jesus as a lowly babe in a manger will be the apex of our anticipation. May you and your family have a wonderful season full of hope, peace, joy and love all of which are abundantly supplied by Jesus Christ our Savior.
I love you all!
Pastor David