Our 2022 advent wreath is about to be fully lit. Our purple and pink candles are on fire, and we finally get to make the big white candle in the middle glow—the Christ candle. The One we’ve anticipated.

What is Advent?

It may seem a little late to ask that question. We’ve been talking about Advent for four weeks, and it’s finally Christmas. But it’s never too late to pause for a minute, take a break from the rush of Christmas festivity prep, and remember why we’re doing this.

I was in my 30s when our worship pastor placed a wreath with five candles on the communion table and introduced me to Advent. Once I got over the way the purple-and-pink clashed with my beloved red-and-green, I was all in.

Advent became a beautiful way to adjust my focus during the Christmas season. It helped me remember what it was all about.

Jesus.

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8

Advent remembers Jesus was born so He could die. For us.

I love everything about Christmas: Family. Music. Movies. Glitz. Presents. Parties. A joyous celebration.

I also love stepping out of all that into Advent: Alone. Quiet. Scripture. Simplicity. Presence. Stillness. A reverent remembrance.

If you truly want to rejoice in the light, remember the darkness.

Do we even really need Jesus?

I sure do. I’d follow that up with an, “I don’t know about you, but…,” but the truth is, I do know. I need Jesus. And you need Him too.

Without him? Well, I don’t want to know.

I met Jesus early enough in my life, that I don’t have a memory of what it was like to be without Him. But I do get regular glimpses of what it might be like.

Because I forget Him sometimes.

I walk in my shame. I believe my accuser. I live in my sin. Stinkin’ thinkin’ takes over my mind. I quarrel. I judge. I fret. I despair.

Then I hear His voice, “Christi.”

And I remember.

Jesus is with me. Always.

Best Christmas Gift Ever

What do I want for Christmas? Jesus.

What do I want my loved ones to have for Christmas? Jesus.

What do I want you to get for Christmas? Jesus.

Give me Jesus.

In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus.

When I am alone
Give me Jesus

When I come to die
Give me Jesus

Oh oh give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Give me Jesus

Songwriter: Danny Gokey

It really is that simple. The hope, the faith, the joy, and the peace we’ve been talking about all come through Him. In Him, for Him, by Him.

Please don’t hear me suggesting a simplistic solution to life’s issues. I’m a huge fan of, “Love Jesus, take your medicine, and get help as needed.” Every good gift comes from God–and I consider good counsel, good medicine, and a good doctor or two to be good gifts.

There are many God-given solutions to save your life, only Jesus can save our soul and give you an abundant life.

Fall in Love this Christmas

Here’s my “Come Alongside” challenge this week.

Fall in love with Jesus.

Remember who He is and what He’s done. Gaze at Him in wonder. Tell a friend how He constantly amazes you with His love. Speak love words and sing love songs to Him.

Fall in love with Jesus again. He’s so worth it.

And, as always, if you have a chance, tell us all what you love about Jesus in the comments. I love Him, even more, when I hear what you see in Him.

Merry Christmas!

Traveling in Grace,

Christi