Looking Forward to Christmas!

December 1 – January 5, 2025

“I can’t wait for Christmas!” That’s a universal statement. As children, we longed for the coming of Christmas morning. As an adult, I still say that! I can’t wait for the celebration, the reunions, the food, and the worship. The celebration of Christmas is in the waiting. We step into the story and learn that waiting is holy and transcendent. And we must remember that we are still waiting and looking forward to Jesus again. This is the beauty of this ancient journey called Advent, which simply means “coming.” We prepare to celebrate. We return to Bethlehem, and we look forward to the day when Jesus will return and make all things new.

“Lord, may we not be like the Bethlehem visitors, so busy with the day-to-day tasks, the census commitments, that we fail to notice Your presence. Lord, may we not be like the innkeeper, giving the best rooms to mortals and giving God our stable. Lord, may we not be like Herod betraying the glory of Jesus at the altar of control and ego. And may we never forget that this God-With-Us Savior is here.”

That’s what it means to celebrate Advent. It’s good news of great joy to all people.