In Luke 2, we read that Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manager. Consider this for a moment. God  chose to put on skin and be bound in swaddling clothes.

When the twins returned, Alice discovered Jesus under the couch, illustrating how, like in life, sometimes we need to seek God intentionally to rediscover His presence.

While scholars have written volumes about the incarnation, my grandson’s enthusiasm for the coming of Jesus brought me back to the essence of Christmas—celebrating the Savior’s birth with simple, childlike joy.

Advent calls us to reflect on God’s faithfulness, just as David reflected on God’s deliverance, and to remember that the reason we wake each day is because God sustains us.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and await His return, we can relate to the Israelites’ longing for deliverance and the sense of waiting that often makes our hope feel distant, yet we know Jesus will return to restore all things.

After discovering my grandchildren's playful rearranging of nativity figures, I reflected on how even small disruptions can remind us of the enduring presence of Jesus in our lives.

As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to focus on God’s incredible love for us, remaining vigilant in guarding against false teachings while proclaiming His truth through our actions and words.

Though we might imagine the angels singing, the Bible tells us they were declaring God's glory and peace, a message we are called to repeat with our words and actions.

In the midst of Christmas traditions like writing letters to Santa, we are reminded that prayer is not a wish list but a deep connection with our Creator, as taught by Jesus.

Amid the busyness of December, both children and adults struggle to find stillness, but Advent invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth.

Jesus was fully aware that His message of love and truth would not be embraced by all, and this rejection still echoes in the world today.

In the tension of Advent’s waiting, we are reminded that God’s timing is perfect, and through longing for His return, we find strength and hope in His promises.

While it's natural to seek perfect gifts for loved ones, James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who offers the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus.

In the story of the Last Supper, the disciples fail to notice the pitcher, bowl, and towel by the door, consumed by the tensions of the moment, much like how we often overlook the reason we celebrate amid the busyness of the Christmas season.

We find ourselves rushing through Scripture readings, Advent devotionals, and prayer as we frantically try to get gifts purchased, food prepared, parties attended, and work finished. And we just can’t seem to find enough time to sleep.

We may think of repentance as a subject for Lent more than Advent. But a second look helps us to think again.

“Let us press on to know the Lord.”

When we have a right relationship with God through Christ, then his peace fills us and makes it possible for us to bring peace to others.

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. “

Decorating for Christmas is usually a sensory experience. Christ’s first coming involved all the senses, too.