Christmas Is Coming

Christmas Is Coming

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:8-10

The word advent means “arrival” or “coming.” The season of Advent is the time on the calendar that begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Day. For centuries, churches have observed Advent as a time of meditation, prayer, and anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a time for making room for him in our hearts and homes. To prepare our hearts for Christmas, this week we will look at what really matters in the holiday season and lift our gazes to the best Gift of all.

During the weeks of Advent we are preparing for the holiday by making lists and decorating. We look high and low for just the right sweater or toy for someone special. This gift-search reminds me of a shy student in an African village who was looking for a gift for his missionary-school teacher. He had very little, but he wanted to give something special to show his appreciation. On the day school let out for the holiday, he walked up to his teacher’s desk and presented her with a beautiful seashell as his Christmas gift.

The student had walked many, many miles to a special inlet of the ocean, the only place such a shell could be found. “How wonderful that you traveled so far for this lovely present,” said the teacher, touched by his generous gift.

At once the student’s eyes brightened as he said, “Long walk part of gift.” As we plan and get ready for the season, even driving to a special place to get a thoughtful gift or spending hours creating a unique meal to offer friends, let’s remember that the preparation we make for family, friends, and those we serve is all part of our gift to them. —CHERI

Thanks be to you, O God, for your unspeakable, indescribable, incomparable Gift! May we remember always your great gift of Jesus in our giving.

If we think of our heart, rather than our purse, as the reservoir of our giving, we shall find it full all the time. —DAVID DUNN