Merry Christmas!

The Advent season is upon us. Advent is a Latin word that means "coming".  In other words, Advent is a time when we look forward to the coming of our Savoir. It is to be a time when we prepare out hearts and minds for His coming and also a time of repentance as we anticipate it. 

What is so interesting about the Christmas season is the fact that all of society is affected by its celebration; from the songs on the radio to the retailers in the stores and online to the TV shows we watch. Everything seems to point toward this special day. Sadly, though, Christmas seems to be about US instead of HIM - the birth of a Savior, Jesus, who saves His people from their sins. Christmas seems to have transitioned into a season of a happy "feeling" rather than a joyous celebration of God who came to save His people.

What can we do? It starts with each one of us individually. We should take time this advent season to do three things: Reflect, Repent, and Rejoice.

We, as God's people, need to reflect on His promises - and they are numerous!  We reflect on what He has already done for us and what He promises to do. We  reflect on His Word, both to remind us of our sin and to remind us of our justification, sanctification, and future glorification.  As we reflect on God's Word and promises, we should be driven to pray, to praise Him, and to  repent of our sins.   After reflecting on His goodness and repenting of our sins the next natural step is to rejoice!  

When God's people reflect, repent, and rejoice, Christmas will become about HIM instead of about us. When we celebrate Advent this way, it will affect those around us, and many Christians will respond in kind.

For unto us a Savior is born who will save His people from their sins!