Here It Comes!

As I write this there are 28 Days 11 Hours 13 minutes until Christmas.   But who's counting?   (For an update of the countdown click here)  The turkey, and mashed potatoes are gone.  The pumpkins and pilgrims have been put away and the lights are hanging from the rooftops.   (OK, mine aren't up yet, but I'll get to them soon)  'Tis the season for shopping, parties, and eating.  Yes, eating.  Did you know that the average American gains 7-10 pounds over the holidays.  (Check it out here)  I know we aren't  average Americans but who can resist peach pie.   Whether we are ready or not, Christmas is upon us.  This week we will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.   Over the next four weeks we will consider the difference that Christmas makes in our lives.   Advent means "coming".   As we celebrate Advent we celebrate the first coming of Jesus.  The first candle reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus.  He came into the world to save sinners like us and he is coming again in what we call the second advent.  Do you have that hope today?    My prayer is that each of us will put down the cookies and the credit cards long enough to remember the hope that Jesus brings.   His birth really is good news of great joy for all people.   Merry Christmas!