Monday, December 2, 2013
Galatians 4:4-6 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
THE ADVANTAGE OF ADVENT (1)
My parents made the long drive to our home for Thanksgiving this past week. We are always excited to have them and enjoy the time spent together and watching them with their grandchildren. I'm sure most people would say that Thanksgiving time is more about the family than the food. But I would say it goes even beyond family in that Thanksgiving is really about "relationships" in general.
Growing up, my family would sometimes send or receive gift baskets or cards not just to family, but friends as well. We all understand the importance of showing our thankfulness for the relationships that we have with those special people in our lives. Thanksgiving is truly about relationships, because just as we look forward to visiting with family and friends, so also does the church season of Advent urge us to look forward to celebrating the coming of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
It's easy to get caught up with gift giving, holiday plans, entertainment, and following the world's way of focusing primarily on our earthly relationships. But the time of Advent helps us to be ready for the coming of our eternal Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, who desire to be with us in our home not only on Christmas, but every day of our lives. What excitement do we have for His coming? What preparations are we making for His arrival? What joy is ours because He has made a relationship with us through the letters of His forgiving grace and loving Word?
May God the Spirit grant us the greatest peace and joy there is in the coming celebration of the birth of our Savior! And may He also help us consider the time we spend gathering with our Savior along with the time, preparation, traveling, and gathering with our loved ones.
