God so loves the world…

The season of Advent begins December 3rd this year, the day of our beautiful Christmas Concert. This is a season set aside for us to prepare our hearts and minds for God’s most amazing gift of the Christ Child. In love, God chooses to come and live with us as one of us, sharing our joys and sorrows, all the while teaching, healing, and encouraging us to become disciples of the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

In Christian parlance, this is called the “incarnation” which means “in the flesh.” It’s one of the fundamentals of Christian faith. It’s also one of the most challenging and mysterious truths about what we believe.

Just as in the time of Jesus’ birth, the world is beset by fear and violence. Like those first shepherds, we wait in the night to hear “good news” and “tidings of great joy.” Like the Magi, our hearts seek after light and truth.

As we journey through Advent this year, remember that it’s all about love–God’s love for the world and for each and every one of us, for the creation itself, and for all God’s children near and far. Hear the angels’ song assuring us that we need not be afraid.

Take heart! God comes in love, again and again, and everything is born anew.