An Advent Reflection

Christmas has come! This year, our Christmas looks a little different, and next year’s will too. We’ve had doctor’s appointments, caring for a family member recovering from surgery, and navigating family gatherings. We ended Christmas Eve by attending our church’s candlelight service, where we lit candles and sang worship songs. It feels fitting, since today we light the final candle.

This candle is Christ’s Candle.

As we’ve participated in Advent this season, we’ve been preparing our hearts in expectant hope, peace, and love—waiting for Christ’s arrival. Christmas shouldn’t be the end of our celebration; it marks the beginning of Christ entering the world. Today is when Love arrived.

Like the flame of a candle burning, He came softly and quietly to bring light to the darkness. Love didn’t come loudly or in the way it was expected. Jesus came as a baby in a manger, and the first to learn of His birth were the humble. Jesus came to reconcile the world to God. He desires to know us and be present with us. His coming is Love—not a selfish love, but a pure love that draws near to us, no matter our circumstances.

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 1:14, especially in The Message translation, which reads:

• “The Word became flesh and blood
  and moved into the neighborhood.
  We saw the glory with our own eyes,
  the one-of-a-kind glory,
  like Father, like Son,
  Generous inside and out,
  true from start to finish.”
  

My intention in observing Advent this holiday season was to slow down, refocus my attention, and prepare my heart—to draw near to the One who loves greatly and arrived to be Love and to save.

Find a quiet moment today—by the tree, near a window, or in a still corner of your home.

Place your hand over your heart and remember: Love has come, Love is here, and Love will not leave you.

Open your Bible, light a candle, or simply sit in silence, letting the truth of Emmanuel—God with us—settle gently over you.

Read the Christmas story in Scripture—Luke 2, Matthew 1, or John 1:1–14—and let the words remind you of how softly and faithfully Love arrived.

Name one place where you long to feel Jesus’ presence today, and invite Him into it with honesty and tenderness.

Let His arrival fill you with peace.

Suggested Christmas Readings

• Luke 2:1–20
• Matthew 1:18–25
• John 1:1–14

May this day remind you that Love has come, and Love remains. Merry Christmas, dear friends.

Merry Christmas!