Preparing for Advent

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. —Matthew 2:9

OUR CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Advent and Christmas seasons are with us again. Like the seasons of the year in nature, the season of the ecclesiastical calendar and the national calendar come full circle. This is only appropriate since:  "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ¹⁸And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Col. 1:16-18).

These are seasons of annual focus and remembrance. But as is true of all liturgy or form, it can point to a true or a false declaration. There is much in the national liturgy that points away from the advent of Christ. Our purpose, in these next few weeks, will be to draw attention to the true message of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. These are central events in the life of Christ and are profoundly significant for all of human history. God became a man. He came to rescue His people. This is worthy of all our celebratory efforts. 

Staring on Sunday, November 28th and for the next 40 days, I will be posting daily Readings and Devotions for Advent, the Twelve Days of Christmas, and Epiphany. These were written by pastors from all over the country and can be used for family or personal devotions.