Aspects of Advent

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~Luke 2:11

Nick,
It's not only five days until Christmas. 'But what are you looking forward to more: Gifts and food, or celebrating Christ's birth? As a family, we have been reading a book called , "O come, Though long-expected Jesus." It's a collection of writings from many "wise heads", including George Whitfield, J. C. Ryle, R. C. Sproul, Calvin, Luther , Spurgeon, Edwards, Piper, and St. Augustine. All of them speak about an aspect of Advent. Some write about how the shepherds, despised as much as swineherds and dung-sweepers, were the first to know about Christ's birth and come and see Him in the flesh. The wise men, Gentiles and foreign rulers, journeyed hundreds upon hundreds of miles to find a toddler. Yet they had faith and believed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and bowed down and worshiped him. A teenage girl is told she will give birth to the Son of her Creator. But she believes and says, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:39) What marvelous faith existed in that day! Today we regard God more as a friend than a Lord. True, He is the best Friend we could ever have. But He is also All-powerful, All-wise, And Omnipotent. We are His servants and should address Him as such. Today we want to be as independent as possible. "I can do this," we often say. In effect, we're telling God we don't need Him. In that we are sadly mistaken. Christmas is one of the greatest reminders that we have besides Communion. These two remind us of our sin and about God's redemption of us. Listen to the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55 and make it your prayer.

“ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him, From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Your Brother in Christ,
Corey