“The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”

Advent is the period of four Sunday’s and weeks before Christmas. December 1st until Christmas Day.

Advent means “The Coming” in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. There are three meanings of the coming of Jesus Christ.

The first coming of Jesus into the world is the birth of Jesus as a baby to live as a man and die for all mankind. Secondly, we must welcome Jesus into our lives every day. He wants to come into our lives as Savior and give us new life. Thirdly is the preparing for the second coming of Jesus back into the world as King and Judge.

This is why we commemorate the coming of Jesus for it begins in the newness of life as we inter into the New Year with our minds refreshed, renewed, and ready for great things to come as the church.

As the believer we are waiting, hopeful, anticipating, and joyfully preparing for God’s coming into our lives and hearts in every moment, place, and time; Past, Present, and Future.

Advent is not a time of waiting to see Santa or Kris Kringle. That is western culture and it has nothing to do with the coming of Jesus into the world.

When you see the name Nicholas, he was the Bishop of Myra, dating back to the fourth century. Bishop Nicholas inherited a large amount of money and used much of his fortune to help the poor. He gave freely to meet the needs of people around him, fulfilling the commands of God to aid the poor.

Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.”

“The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).

Mark 10:21 says, “Go and sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

After Nicholas’ death, the church recognized him as a saint. This is were we get Saint Nick or Saint Nicholas from. Though this still has nothing to do with a man coming  to your house in a red suit and a white beard, reindeers, sleigh, elves and living in the North Pole. Bishop Nicholas lived in Palestine and Egypt. He became Bishop of Myra soon after returning to Lycia.

The Bishop honored Jesus Christ with his life. Saint Nicholas gave freely of his riches to benefit those who were less fortunate than himself. This is the fundamental Christian principle, in James 2: 1-17

What is your motivation this Christmas? Is it to obey God’s commands? Do the work of the Lord? To give to the poor? Are you thoughtfully considering the Scriptures and living them, or are you waiting to see Santa? Rushing around shopping?

Remember Advent isn’t about shopping, stressing,or buying.This season is about expecting, waiting, hoping, praying, and giving to the poor; or those who are in need.

Can you give to your family gifts? Of course you can; but will you also consider the less fortunate?

Will you be a light this Christmas so people may see the true Light of God. A light that gives life to every man that come into the world. John bore witness of that Light. John was not the light but a witness of the Light that all men through him might believe.

This year for Christmas add some meaning to your life. Give Christ to someone that does not know Him. Spend some extra time in prayer, be patient with your family, give to the poor, speak kindly to all men, share hope,and be the church of God. For now is the season of Holy Advent, and Christ is coming.