Galatians 5:5, "For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope."

Think

"Advent is more than an event!" This time of year, our schedules are packed with preparations to make, presents to buy, and parties to attend. But we often get so busy thinking about what is happening that we miss out on the meaning of what is to come. For just a moment, consider what this time is really about. What are the preparations, presents, and parties all about? The world would like to convince us that Christmas is a commercial event wrapped up in good feelings and some much-needed time off. But this season is much more than that! This time of year is not just an event. It's all about an Advent! Basically, Advent means "coming" or "arrival." This season is the time to remember the arrival of the greatest gift in history-the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ. Don't get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. Instead, focus on Christ and the hope his Advent brings. Because when we understand the true meaning of this season, we'll discover the hope that God wants us to have!

Act

Shift your focus from Christmas being an event to an Advent. And remember that an event is pedestrian; Advent is powerful. An event is casual; Advent is cosmic. An event is trivial; Advent is a treasure!

Pray

God, thank you for this season of the year. As I go through my day, help me to remember that Christmas is about so much more than the commercials. Help me to keep Christ as the focus of all I think, say, and do so that I can discover the hope you have for me, Amen.