It's the 1st day of Advent....the REASON for the season

Today marks the 1st day of Advent and the anticipation for Christmas.  It can be a crazy time of year, that often gets me stressed and wondering if I will get it all done.  When this happens, I really try and focus on the real reason for the season...JESUS!
I love the symbolism of the Advent wreath: evergreen wreath that represents the eternity of God as the base because God is the foundation of all good.  And for today, the 1st purple candle to represent HOPE.

I thought these weeks leading up the the best birthday celebration ever, I would share a great devotional I found from the amazing singer Mandisa.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“It’s Christmas”

A.J. Gregory

"It seems the minute Halloween is over and kids are either bouncing off walls or groaning from sugar-induced stomachaches, retail stores rush into overhaul mode. Out goes decorative pumpkins, fall paper foliage, and other autumn-colored accents. In comes a blinding array of red and green product. Holiday music blares through speakers. Aisle shelves are suffocated by wrapping paper, decorations and batteries, flanked by brazen signs promising to beat competitors’ prices.

To some, it can be groan worthy. Seeing Christmas décor plastered all over stores brings with it a sense of doom. It’s easy to envision long lines at the check out counter, unbearable traffic, the hassle of battling crowds for the perfect gift, and rising credit card bills.

And it’s just as easy to brush past the magic. The wonder. The joy. The miracle. The celebration.

Let’s not forget

In the middle of the craziness

Remember this

Jesus is the reason

For this time of the year

Every year we are warned against the sins of commercialism. We are told to stop focusing on presents, decorating, and spending money. Point taken. But it can be tempting to get distracted by the warnings ad nauseam and miss out on the joys of celebrating.

Heaven and earth proclaim

Come on, let’s celebrate

It’s Christmas

Think about this. Jesus wasn’t born in the best of circumstances. The political rule was like a dictatorship. Most people were struggling to get by financially. The folks who were waiting for Jesus expected nothing less than a Rambo-like warrior. So Jesus shows up in the midst of shaky times, deflating some expectations, and with barnyard animals and the stench of manure accompanying his teenage mom in labor. Not the best kind of set up for a promised Messiah.

But wait. It was time to celebrate!

Heaven rejoiced. Angels whooped and hollered, shouting out praises. The angel of the Lord appeared to unassuming shepherds and said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT). Good news and great joy! Then a host of other angels came on the scene and joined the festivities shouting, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth” (Luke 2:14 NLT). It was a time of worship. Praise. Thanksgiving. Celebration.

So instead of feeling condemned, annoyed, or frustrated by overzealous retailers, mad shoppers, or Bah Humbug-ers, celebrate! Celebrate Christmas with a spirit of adoration and joy. Celebrate by stringing up twinkling lights on your front door. Celebrate by humming the tunes of Nat King Cole and “Silent Night.” Celebrate by giving to those in need.

If you need to, dial back your trips to the mall and spending habits. And, of course, keep your perspective in check. But don’t let the grumblings of commercialism keep you from celebrating the One who came to give you the greatest gift—eternal life."