This Sunday is the last Sunday in Advent. It always gets here much too quickly! This time of preparation is almost over, as we move toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth next Friday! Have you caught the spirit of Christmas yet? We’ve not had any snow, but I understand a little may be on the way next week! Have you watched a Christmas movie? We watched Holiday Inn and The Nativity at our home. Have you sang any Christmas carols? We did at our church Advent Fair and on Sunday mornings. Baked any goodies? Robin and the girls have, as I know many of you have, as well! Bought any gifts or made any? I’ve encouraged us to consider the gift of time (we love and often receive “coupons” from our kids for foot rubs, extra chores help, etc.) Have you put any $ in the Salvation Army kettles? I got to ring bells last Friday with a good friend outside Sams and had a great time. Have you sent out any Christmas cards? I wrote the annual family Christmas letter to include with ours and we’ve received several as well. Have you read Luke 2? I’ve been trying to read each of the birth narratives recorded in the gospels. Have you greeted anyone with “Merry Christmas?” Have you given anything to anyone who cannot repay you? What brings the Christmas spirit home to you?

Tuesday during our Staff devotional, a staff member read an excerpt from Max Lucado’s Cosmic Christmas and shared how she hasn’t caught the traditional Christmas spirit as of yet this year, because her focus has been on the sacrificial death of Christ. The hope of Bethlehem is connected with the reality of Calvary, as well. The harsh reality is that Jesus was born to die. He didn’t just come to live among us, but to die for us. Christmas and Easter should not and cannot be separated. The babe born in Bethlehem is the Messiah who died outside Jerusalem and was raised on the third day! Jesus was born under the shadow of the cross. He came as Emmanuel – God with us  to rescue us from ourselves. “But now in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

Christmas has many symbols, but probably none is more poignant than the holly branch. It’s green color reminds us of the gift of eternal life made available to all (John 3:16) and the red holly berry reminds us of the cost – the blood of Jesus Christ. I like mistletoe better than holly – it’s a lot more fun and doesn’t generally hurt as much! But the holly bush outside my home tells the true Christmas story.

Have you met Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, you can. Offer yourself to Him and he will come and dwell with you!

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Mark

P.S. This Sunday is “Christmas Sunday!” We’ll hear from our Prime chimers and our choir ensemble. Come prepared to encounter The Prince of Peace!