Recognizing Advent

The presence of the Lord was very evident in the service last night in Stedman, NC. We gathered together to lift up and exalt the name of Christ as we enter the season of celebration that many refer to as Advent. We gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. I want to share something with you that Sis. Jackie Baldwin (Pastor's wife) spoke last night as she began to lead the worship service. She made this statement: "I do not want to lose the celebration of Advent in the busyness of the celebration of Christmas (secular celebrations)." My heart was deeply challenged by that declaration. It is so easy to be captured by the hustle and bustle of the events during the month of December that we fail to properly recognize the birth of Christ, the Hope for our world. Oh, we may give Christ a "token" glance so that we can keep up the appearance of religious seriousness but do we actually take the time to reflect on the birth of the Savior of the world? I do not want to lose Christ in all of the secular trappings of the Christmas celebration. These celebrations may have their place in our family traditions and even in our church traditions but let us make a conscious effort to maintain our spiritual integrity and worship our Savior and King. A line from one the traditional Christmas carols presents this challenge, "O come let us adore Him..." Will you join me in adoring Him this Christmas season? Will you join me in leading your family into adoring Him this Christmas season? He is worthy of our adoration and worship. After all, Christmas is truly a time to celebrate the birth of our Redeemer who came to deliver mankind from the clutches of the enemy. Today let us celebrate Christ our Savior!