Today's Bliss: Advent

I love the holidays. It is a time for rest, reflection, family, and celebration. I especially enjoy the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we are preparing for a festive, joyous time ahead. I like to buy people gifts and wrap them up, decorate our home, bake some yummy cookies, and feel warm and cozy readying my Christmas card list.

The most important thing during this time of the year is advent. The word "advent" brings to mind more spiritual preparation, a deeper time to celebrate Jesus, God's perfect gift to us. Where would we be without God? Where would we be without the sacrifice He made? Jesus is our only hope in this very crazy world we are living in.

Many people hustle and bustle rather than stop and pray during this season. Many people don't like this season at all, seeing it as sad rather than joyous. Many people equate Christmas with stress. And I have been guilty of all of this myself, of course, but I am trying harder and harder every year to keep my mind on the manger, my eyes on the cross, and my heart centered on Christ at Christmas. Feeling His presence every day is what keeps me going throughout the year, but especially now when we are getting set to remember His birth.

So, look around you, enjoy the bright lights, festive decor, and fun that the season brings. The fact that you can partake of this season and enjoy the blessings of Christ is pure bliss.

Christmas 2011 - Gaylord Opryland Hotel