Let Advent Season Begin

Today was the first day of Advent at Calvary Baptist Church this morning. I think I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit. It took all of one hour to put me in the Christmas season mode. I am so excited about Christmas, not only because finals will be over, but the fact that I always seem to renew my spirit around Christmas time. There's so much hope and promise for the future that it's hard to focus on how rotten this past year might have been.

Can we fully grasp the idea of God becoming man? God becoming a baby...in a stable...among animals. How amazing to be a part of that day. What would it have been like to be Mary or Joseph or the shepherds? To know that you hold the most amazing thing ever, in your hands! What would I have done? It's like the Third Day song, "will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall, will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?" I can't help but think of my reaction to meeting the baby who will save my life. Have you given much thought to that?

What an amazing time for us to consider our reaction to the baby Jesus. My focus is not about His life and ministry, but about trying to wrap my infinite mind around the idea of God becoming Man; about God, so small and so vulnerable, saving my life 2000 years before I would ever even know who He is; about a humble beginning that better connects me with Him.

God, help me during this time of celebration to connect with You, to become a seeker after You. Help us remove ourselves from the hussle and bussel of the retail season and remember that You mean more to us than gifts. Focus our hearts on Your precious being and revive us to You. Amen.