The Arrival

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.
Advent meaning the arrival of something important or awaited.
The four Sundays before Christmas.
Waiting for Jesus.

I remember when I was younger ~

There was a huge wreath that hung in the middle of church, with four candles. One was lit the first Sunday of Advent. Another was lit every Sunday, until all four were lit.
In my heart there was silent celebration as I anticipated every lit candle.
One more candle closer to Christmas!
One more day closer to the celebration of Jesus' birth!

Today I read

Isaiah 9:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ 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 called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

In this season we are
waiting for that same Jesus.
The One called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty, God!
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
He came as a baby, and will come again in splendor and glory.
It is good to remember how Jesus came - as a baby in  a manger, and that He will come again.
But today, right now, He is with us.
He wants to be  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Father, Prince of Peace in our
lives.

He meets us right where we are.
Whether we are filled with laughter or tears during this season,
He desires to be our Lord, to be with us.

Advent.
Arrival of something important.
Jesus arrives in our hearts when we turn to Him and invite Him in to be our Savior, our Lord.
We don't have to wait. We can do it wherever we are.

This one thing I know.
He is faithful.
Whether we are on the mountaintop or going through a valley -
He is there for us.
The arrival of His peace is ours if we ask for it.
He will be our Counselor if we turn to Him for wisdom
He will be Mighty in our midst if we trust in Him.
His peace is ours if we rely on Him.
He will be our loving Father of comfort and encouragement, of blessing, and assurance.


Father, I thank you for the arrival of Your Son in the world over two thousand years ago. I thank You that Jesus came to give us life, and save us from our sins. I thank You that He is coming again.
Today I thank You that as I wait in Your presence, Your peace and assurance fill my heart, and soul.
Your joy, and love permeate my being as I anticipate the arrival of the people You send into my daily life.
Oh, that I would share Your light, and love to those around me this Christmas season.
In Jesus name.
Amen.


Anticipate the arrival.