Traditionally, the Season of Advent begins a new Christian year and Bible passages about the end of history and Christ’s return are common for the first Sunday of Advent. We may want to jump right into the Christmas story focusing on shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, and of course the Christ child. But in the world, we live in, a world filled with chaos, war, polarization, political rhetoric, and violence, would it hurt to have a longing, a hope for Christ’s return and the bringing of better days?

The world wants us to focus on Christmas, and we may want to do that, but Advent reminds us that there is something beyond Christmas. There is something beyond this world. We are not there yet, but Advent comes along to remind us about what is to come.

Please click the link to download this year’s Advent Devotions.