Journey to Christmas

Journey to Christmas
Have you ever thought of the Christmas season as a journey? It certainly was for Joseph and Mary, from Nazareth to Bethlehem; for the shepherds, from their fields to the stable; for the wise men, from their home in the east to Judea. And for God’s only Son, from his place in heaven to earth as a baby lying in a manger.

As you travel toward the night of nights this season, take time to consider their stories, their apprehensions, their fears, their courage, and their faith. As you Journey to Christmas, invite someone to journey with you. Traveling with friends and loved ones is always best.

What is Advent?
This season of the year on the Church calendar is called Advent. Advent means “coming” and generally covers the four weeks before Christmas when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ.

Advent is a time to focus our hearts more fully on Jesus and to give thanks for His coming. It is a time of repentance, cleansing, and meditation on the goodness of God. Words that mark this time are hope, joy, peace, love, waiting, and salvation. 

The 25 daily Advent devotionals in Journey to Christmas will help you remember and reflect on the reason for the season. Allow God to speak into your life as you journey toward Christmas. You may discover that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” — Isaiah 9: 6–7