Advent Reflections 2018

Advent is about waiting. Waiting for something wonderful to come to us in the form of a Savior. Someone to come and save the world from chaos, death and destruction. When I look around at the state of the world today--the destruction, violence, fear, hate and despair--I sometimes lose hope. Where is Jesus? The truth is, Jesus is right there beside me, patiently waiting for me to turn to him and ask him to help me through this life’s journey. He is right there beside you too. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This verse speaks hope to me. Jesus taught us how to love and loves us still, more than we could possibly comprehend. This was true yesterday. It is true today. It will be true for all time. He doesn’t just love us when we’re “making good choices” and “being good Christians”. No, Jesus’ love is even bigger than that. He loves me—all of me—even the parts of myself I am ashamed of, the parts that are broken, and the dark corners of my heart. He loves me completely. He loves you completely too. Jesus brought this love to the world when he came to us as a baby in a humble stable. Love is what will save this world. When we choose love over fear, we change the world. My prayer this advent season is to slow down and focus on choosing light and love every day, and to share that light and love with the people I interact with. A lofty aim, I know, but Jesus was with me yesterday, he is with me today, and he will be with me forever, and Jesus is with you too.