As we move towards another celebration of Christmas, I once again remind all of us that we should be constantly preparing to meet our God. Advent with its emphasis on the second coming or Parousia of Christ, is a time for all of us to look at our lives, attitudes and relationships to see how well if at all we are living up to Christian standards.

Advent is about getting ready for Christmas. Christmas is that season when God’s message of peace and good will to all people is proclaimed. This can only become an experienced reality in the lives and relationships of those who have opened their hearts, lives, homes and relationships to God’s loving and life changing presence. Such openness is characterized by a serious and deep search for God, devotion and dedication to God’s way - the way of love as well as a living and active relationship with God in Jesus Christ. A living and active relationship with God is one where we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and serve him as our King.

As you look at your life in light of what you have just read – how do you stand as we go further into this Advent season? There are two weeks yet for us to get ready to embrace and be embraced by the joys of Christmas. Those joys come to the people whose lives are opened to God’s message of peace and good will.

Rev. Isaiah Phillip