The Season of Advent

Love.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us

from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

Here in the Dominican Republic we do not sing the Christmas hymns on Sunday mornings during this Christmas season. But the songs we are singing are about God's love especially what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection. When you look at the manger and see baby Jesus, remember also the cross and the stone as well. This is the true meaning of Christmas and the precious gift that God has given us so we will never be separated from His unconditional, agape love.

Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Joy.

"And again, Isaiah says,

'The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him.'

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:12-13

Here in the Dominican Republic Christmas is not celebrated with presents as much as presence. The giving of presents in more reserved for January 6th known as Kings' Day, when the magi of the east came and visited Jesus bringing with them gold, frankincense and myrrh. The magi of the far east were not God's chosen people, Israel yet God guided them, foreigners to Christ to worship him. What joy we have that Jesus came for all peoples, all nations. Not just the Jewish nation, God's chosen people.

This joy is for you, my dear reader. I pray that you are filled with joy each and every day.

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

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