The Fifth Advent

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! (Feel free to sing along.)

Welcome to the fifth advent - the Christ Child candle. Light all of the five candles on this day, Christmas Eve.

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." (Luke 1:68-69)

"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." (Luke 1:32-33)

"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

Nothing is impossible with God. Everything is possible. Hope was born that night, long ago in Bethlehem. Hope was born in an animal dwelling, with its only spotlight that of his parents focused attention and the heavenly shining star. Interior decor was farm and country. The audience consisted of livestock, human parents, celestial beings, and Father God. Musical accompaniment was provided by a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and singing a new song. This holy night was one for the Book, a night to remember and celebrate for all eternity.

A new song for the way for all things to be made new. An end to the Old Testament. A beginning to the New Testament. A new covenant and a fulfilled promise.

I'm glad that after the reminder of Christmas and what it means, I get the chance to start fresh. A new year, clean beginning, energized hope for coming times.

Silent night, holy night. Joy to the world!