We are in the first week of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. I think about all of the suffering and hatred that is in our world, and it is easy for me to let my focus wander away from the coming celebration of our Lord’s birth. But as I look back to the first Advent season, I realize how blessed we are. Rome was an oppressor who ruled by the sword. Herod was a violent king who killed his own sons out of fear; our nation is about to have a peaceful transition between two opposite philosophical powers. Mary and Joseph had to make a long journey as she was ready to give birth, and they were not traveling in an SUV with air conditioning and TV screens in the back seat. The shepherds, who were considered to be on the lowest rung in society, were in the fields watching their sheep and not in comfortable beds with nice pillows and mattresses. The wise men were either preparing to travel or were already travelling through the desert, which required traveling from well to well while carrying all of their food. We travel from restaurant to restaurant eating more food in one meal than they probably ate in one day. We need to recognize God’s favor and acknowledge the opportunity we have to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Advent season begins with prayer and repentance and then shifts towards hope, joy, and anticipation. We need to focus on our blessings and begin preparing our hearts for the great celebration of our LORD and Savior who was born of a virgin and will return someday in glory. May God bless us and make His face shine upon us as we approach the birth of our true King.