So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
How are you preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior? Advent is the season of the year many Christians prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ . . . “He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” But it’s also a time for self-reflection as we prepare for his second coming . . . “when he comes in glory to judge both the living and the dead.” In truth every day should be Advent for Christians. He has come as Immanuel (God with us) not only to save us from our sins, but to walk daily with us in a sin-filled world. And he will come again as Immanuel and represent us before the judge of all the earth. He is Immanuel for us TODAY and he will be Immanuel for us TOMORROW and for all ETERNITY. As you plan your gift exchanges, holiday parties, and favorite cheeseball recipes, make intentional time to meditate on Immanuel and what he means to you, personally. You will find a deeper experience in the “wonder and mystery” of that “blessed Christmas morn.”
