Every Advent season we are in a different place on our journey. Yet, every Advent season we meet the same Jesus offering the same exact gifts He does every year-peace, hope, mercy, love and joy. What a bundle of gifts our savior brings! It is everything we need, but sadly not always what we seek. Why do we have difficulty pursuing these gifts.? Well perhaps since last Christmas , we have hit some tough obstacles. We may have experienced a loss of someone we love very much. We may be struggling with an illness we don’t particularly want. Or we may be in a situation where a choice is asked and we are afraid to make that decision.

Whatever the circumstances we are temporarily blinded and cannot see what wonderful Jesus is offering.   Fear can cloud our vision, and we can’t see how right now, these gifts of peace, hope mercy love and joy can help. We just want the pain, the hurt, and the fear to go away-our way! We know better.

Yet, our Advent songs sing the words we need to hear. “O Come O come Emmanuel.” This welcoming words can reopen our eyes, giving us the vision we need. This power Jesus brings is grace, and its supply is endless. He knows what we need, and won’t stop offering it.

This Advent reach out to Our Emmanuel (Jesus). Advent Scriptures tell us why. “Behold our Lord shall come in power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.”   Truly, It is the only Christmas gift we need. And it comes generously!