Advent Reflections
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2022
By Clay Young ’23
In the midst of all the gingerbread making, Christmas song singing, hot chocolate brewing, snowman building, and the many holiday festivities, there is a joy beyond words, a joy we cannot explain. A joy that is hidden but remains in our hearts. A joy that needs to be personally experienced. This season is about anticipating the arrival of a man who would change history and become the answer to our salvation. Today we are preparing ourselves to look upon, adore, and love the newborn king.
While the world today will wait for hours and days to buy a flatscreen TV for a significantly low price, the world in the time of Jesus waited to witness the coming of the Redeemer, the Messiah, the Christ, and the Son of God. Let this be a reminder of where our joy is truly present. It may be hard to find, especially with the hustle and bustle of gift-wrapping and decorating our trees, but the joy of witnessing, knowing, and acting as Jesus is alive and very well. How can a newborn child be the one who knows us and will save the world from sin? Gaze into His face, experience His presence, and give thanks for the rare opportunity to be freed from sin. His light will shine, and your question will be answered.
As we prepare for His arrival, we shall prepare our hearts to seek the eternal life. This may require sacrifice and discomfort, but Jesus is the definition of sacrifice and discomfort. Yet, Jesus has His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. To gain our rightful place in heaven, we must find the inner joy of Christ's presence, no matter how long it takes. And though we may not have a gift to bring, we have received the ultimate gift: life, redemption from sin, and a beautiful friendship with Jesus. This Advent, this Christmas, and for as long as we live, we shall sing the goodness of the Lord forever.