Advent

As a family, the celebration of Advent is probably our favorite Christmas tradition. We love lighting each candle in the wreath, reading scriptures, singing Christmas carols together, and reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ.

At first glance, one of our favorite traditions may appear to have no connection to Advent whatsoever. What does dressing up in pajamas and riding around in the car looking at Christmas lights have to do with the Savior’s birth?

I’ve been working on a paper recently on my favorite Christmas carols, “What Child is This?” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and “Mary, Did You Know.” I’m drawn to these songs because they talk about the questions of Christmas. How could this little Child be the Savior of the world? How will He ransom us from our sins? Did any of the witnesses really understand Who the little baby was?

*Photo Credit: Roma*

Whenever we go out to look at lights, I think of these songs, especially “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The world before Christ was hopeless and dark, like the empty houses vacant of any lights. The Bible is silent for 400 years between the Old and New Testament writings. The people of Israel must have been wondering when God was going to fulfill His promise of sending a Messiah.

Into this incredible world of darkness entered our Savior. He willingly left heaven and came down to be born in a barn. He lived a perfect life in our filthy world of sin. He was the lone light shining in the darkness, a beacon for our lost souls.

*Photo Credit: Roma.*

As our evening of light-gazing culminates with ice cream and a drive downtown, I reflect on all the beautiful displays of lights. While Christmas lights are beautiful, it’s the True Light that holds the greatest draw for me. He brought light into my soul 10 years ago, and I am eternally grateful and undeserving. It’s my job to share that light with others!