Advent...

It's almost Christmas! The time for presents, food and shopping! But we often forget that Christmas is about Jesus Christ. Let's not forget that He's the greatest gift offered to all mankind, and He's the one that we should celebrate!

On Sunday, our church began Advent: the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.

Pastor Steve preached on Luke 2: 25-35:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

I think Steve's message was really about telling us to wait like Simeon did for things that we hope for. He waited patiently, and at the same time was devoted, and sold-out to the Lord's service. Upon reflection, there are many things that I hope and am waiting for. I pray that I can wait the right way: busy serving and in relationship with the Lord. He also talked about how contentment is only found in Jesus Christ. What a lesson and a reminder to me that all I really need is Christ.

Advent devotions....

I've also started to do some Advent devotions recently:

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Wow! This passage reminds me how God has been the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father and the prince of peace to me and my family over the years. I believe and trust that He will continue to be those names to us.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

That passage just reminds me why we are saved: to be God's channel to save, encourage, proclaim Christ, and heal others.