The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
By Eric Costanzo
In church life, few things bring me more continuous joy than the season of Advent leading to Christmas. Joy, in fact, is one of the promises of Advent—through the Good News of Jesus Christ and the announcement of His birth.
These past few weeks, I’ve been reminded that many people are struggling to find or keep joy during these times in which we live. We don’t have to look far to see many who are suffering, oppressed, or in despair. Mental health struggles are being reported as far and wide as ever before in our nation. Though we desire to serve Christ more faithfully each day, it seems like nearly every part of culture seeks to pull us further away from obedience. Individuals and families are as busy as ever, and few give signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you are feeling the drain of any or all of these things…LISTEN…
Advent is a gift from God to the Church, that we might refocus and realign our hearts with His and remember the Good News that brings great joy to all people—that Christ has come to us!
As we begin this season, may we be willing to slow down and quiet ourselves long enough to join God in the rhythm and reason of this season—to keep Christ at the center of every part of our lives.
During Advent we remember:
Christ’s birth gives us Hope—because God always keeps His promises.
Christ’s birth gives us Love—because God so loved the world that He gave us His Son.
Christ’s birth gives us Joy—because we have true delight that can only be found in Him.
Christ’s birth gives Peace—because we trust in God and see that He is at work all around us.
And most importantly—the season of Advent reminds us of what, or rather who this season is truly all about: Christ Himself, our Savior, Messiah, and Lord!
In church life, few things bring me more continuous joy than the season of Advent leading to Christmas. Joy, in fact, is one of the promises of Advent—through the Good News of Jesus Christ and the announcement of His birth.
These past few weeks, I’ve been reminded that many people are struggling to find or keep joy during these times in which we live. We don’t have to look far to see many who are suffering, oppressed, or in despair. Mental health struggles are being reported as far and wide as ever before in our nation. Though we desire to serve Christ more faithfully each day, it seems like nearly every part of culture seeks to pull us further away from obedience. Individuals and families are as busy as ever, and few give signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you are feeling the drain of any or all of these things…LISTEN…
Advent is a gift from God to the Church, that we might refocus and realign our hearts with His and remember the Good News that brings great joy to all people—that Christ has come to us!
As we begin this season, may we be willing to slow down and quiet ourselves long enough to join God in the rhythm and reason of this season—to keep Christ at the center of every part of our lives.
During Advent we remember:
Christ’s birth gives us Hope—because God always keeps His promises.
Christ’s birth gives us Love—because God so loved the world that He gave us His Son.
Christ’s birth gives us Joy—because we have true delight that can only be found in Him.
Christ’s birth gives Peace—because we trust in God and see that He is at work all around us.
And most importantly—the season of Advent reminds us of what, or rather who this season is truly all about: Christ Himself, our Savior, Messiah, and Lord!
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