November 30th, 2025
Greeting! Welcome, all are welcome to participate and share the advent season. Many of you are likely aware of the meaning of the season; just in case you are curious the meaning of advent comes from the Latin, adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.”
The beautiful part of this season for me is the celebration of Jesus’ arrival as a baby. We celebrate both His “first coming” and look forward to His “second coming.”
The season starts four weeks before Christmas and typically lasts four weeks after. Although, the exact timing of Jesus’ birth is not identified by date/time/weight like many of us are acquainted with, as Christians. we have chosen Christmas Day to celebrate His arrival.
The days leading up to writing this post my thoughts have been of past Christmas’ and past Church programs celebrating the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Wisemen, Shepherds, Angels and the animals.
Every year, the wonder of the season washes over me, like the first time all over again. I actually don’t remember my first realization of the magnitude of this season but I do remember being a kid, excited for Christmas morning and finding beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. They magically arrived while I fell asleep, though I tried very hard not to. In hopes of seeing St. Nick/Santa. I remember how my heart would beat really fast, I can feel the grin that covered my face. I remember feeling so happy and so loved. I used to sit and stare at the blinking color bulbs on the tree, I was in awe of the beauty on display.
Now, as an adult and looking back over years of celebrating Christmas, it is so easy for me to see how my experiences with St. Nick/Santa prepared my heart for Jesus. This may be difficult for some to reason but give me a chance to explain. I have been involved with some form of church from a very early age, probably since I was able to walk and talk. I was blessed to have incredible loving adults in my life who openly shared the love of Jesus with me.
As I try to explain my feelings, faith and longings of this season from a Santa perspective that lead to my Jesus reality, I am asking for your open mindedness and grace.
Santa has a naughty and nice list, Jesus has the Book of Life.
Santa gets milk and cookies, and the occasional carrots for the deer. With Jesus, we have the communion table, with wine and bread.
Santa brings presents some we hope for and some we wish for, typically even if we are on the naughty list. Jesus, the gift is Life eternal. With Jesus, life is forever, even after the death of our human existence, our soul and spirit live on.
Both, Santa and Jesus want us to be “good” but the difference is with Jesus, His love is freely given. Basically, there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn His love. Additionally, I absolutely do not deserve His love. This is the great gift of Grace & Mercy. The one requirement is to admit God is the Creator of all things! Then, accept all things came into being by God, that includes you and me. Believe and accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6
When I see a manger scene, it gives me the familiar feeling of a Christmas tree and blinking lights. Pure Joy! I love manger scenes so much I keep one on display in my home year around. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate Jesus choosing to be born, to come into our world to teach us how to live. He knew it would be difficult and the sacrifice great, but He loved you and me that much!
I am filled with excitement for this Holiday season, the anticipation of the Christ child. I am also looking forward to seeing the world through the eyes of children everywhere as they are mesmerized by Santa and the bright beautiful blinking lights on every street counter.
So, as we approach this season, let’s try and remember the joys of our past and share our love of Jesus in the present.
The advent season is about exploring Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This first week is celebrated by lighting a purple candle representing Hope.
HOPE
“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”
– Pope Benedict XVI
“Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger
~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞
DISCOVER 