Advent's true meaning

Believe it or not, it is that time of year again. End of the semester projects and papers are being prepared, field placements are wrapping up, and finals knock at the door. With all of the stresses that come from the end of the semester, I haven't even had time to think about what usually goes on at this time of the year. Most of the country has already started the shopping, baking, cooking, and decorating that are associated with that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And who can blame them? There are only a few weeks to get ready! But shouldn't we be getting ready for something a little more important than gift exchanges, office parties, and finals?

The whole idea behind Advent is to wait and prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. It is a time that should be filled with hope, peace, love, and joy. (Those aren't always the sentiments you feel when fighting through shopping crowds, standing in line to check out, or studying for that last final.) The anticipation is supposed to build with every week, knowing that we are just a little closer to receiving the greatest gift of all! And no, that's not the iPods, laptops, or newest cell phone; it is the gift of Jesus Christ! But with all the hubbub that goes on during Advent, it is easy to put the gift of baby Jesus to the back of our minds. After all, we will celebrate Advent again next year.

I am a firm believer in the saying, "you don't know what you've got until it is gone." Luckily for us, the gift of Jesus Christ will never go away. What if there had never been a gift given to the world one cold night in a stable manger? There would be no need to celebrate a Christmas or Advent, and no need to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts. But because God gave the world the greatest gift of all, every year, without fail, we will celebrate Advent and Christmas. And yes, it may seem to fall into a normal routine for the year, and it will always be a time of stress and chaos for those that choose to make it such. But for those who honor advent, and wait and prepare for the Christ Child, will find that the gift of waiting and preparing will calm and put into perspective even the most chaotic of situations.

So, Happy Holidays to you and your families. May you be blessed this Advent season with the gifts of hope, peace, love, and joy. And, may you find the time in your busy schedules to wait and prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.