“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”

—Luke 2:10

“Good news of great joy” … couldn’t we all use a little bit of that? Maybe you are like me and you would really like to get to that good news and great joy right here, right now. If we are being honest we all probably feel that way a little bit. We live in a world and a culture that tells us to have what we want when we want it. I am not so old that I don’t still remember the excitement I felt on those Christmas mornings. Seeing all those presents and the stockings waiting there by the tree. Of course, it was something I looked forward to, something I wanted to get to as quickly as possible each year.

But these last few years I have found myself looking forward to the Advent season with new eyes. I am no longer in as much of a rush to get through the Advent season,. Rather, I want to take time and soak it all in, to savor what it has to offer. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will be spending time looking at the Hope, Love, Joy and Peace this season has to offer. I assure you there is “good news of great joy” to come, but  I invite you to join me in not just rushing through this season of anticipation but rather to take time to stop and enjoy it.

The days ahead have been described as the most wonderful time of the year and for us as Christians they truly are. Not because of the presents or parties but because we know what is coming, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, our Savior.

We already know the gift we will receive this Christmas season, but knowing does not make it any less exciting. My hope and prayer for each of us is that we don’t let our anticipation of what is to come get in the way of enjoying the time we have now.

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Pastor Devin

(To read the rest of the December newsletter, click here: December 2017 )