Advent

As we enter the stretch run of Advent, I want to encourage you to take time amidst the busy season to rest in the knowledge that God is near. He is not silent. He speaks. He knows and cares and loves. He is active and faithful, forgiving and sovereign . . . always working for our best interests. He redeems every mistake, every disappointment, every loss, every sin, and every act of injustice in His perfect timing.  The incarnation shouts to us that despite what we may feel or see around us, God is more concerned about us than we could have ever hoped or imagined.  He has not left us to ourselves; nor will He ever forsake us.

So, this Advent if you are burdened by guilt, weariness, disappointment, failure, the loss of a job or a loved one, receive the good news: Christ has come. He is near. He is Emmanuel, God with us. And He offers Himself to us. As Malachi reminds us, He comes “as the sun of righteousness with healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4: 2) For those humble enough to receive Him, He redeems the past, is enough for the present, and promises to lead us into the future until we see Him face to face.