The Advent of Christmas – December 01, 2002
The advent of Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year. Halls are decked; mistletoe is hung; bows are tied; lights are lit; and the countdown begins.
Almost in unison, the world waits for Christmas. The elderly watch for it in the eyes of a child. The discouraged listen for it in familiar carols. The downtrodden pray for it in quiet moments. And Christmas almost always comes to them, sometimes on December 25, and sometimes long before.
But others may not find Christmas so easily. In the hustle and bustle of the season, they run from party to party and store to store, but may not slow down enough to pause and reflect.
A few years ago, just weeks before Christmas, a mother gave birth to a precious daughter and experienced one of her most meaningful Christmases ever. The mother missed most of the traditional holiday events that year. She didn’t do much shopping or baking. But she had time to ponder, time to be with her family, time to nurture and love. She held her baby close and really thought about the birth of another child so long ago.
This year, as we look forward to Christmas, may we also look back—way back to the first Christmas of all. The preparations were simple, yet glorious. Heavenly choirs sang. Humble shepherds found a beloved baby wrapped in nothing more than swaddling clothes. The Holy Child was greeted by the smell of fresh straw, the bray of a donkey, the touch of a mother’s loving hand. These are the sights and sounds of Christmas—the love of God manifest in His Son. This is the Christmas for which we seek.
With great anticipation we begin another season of celebrating Christ’s birth, another season of seeking His love. As we make ready our homes, may we open our hearts—and truly find Christmas.
Program #3824