“The purpose of Jesus was the purpose of God. He didn’t send his son to introduce a new religion but to fulfill the deepest needs and richest promises of an ancient one.” -Russ Ramsey, The advent of the Lamb of God 
Happy first Sunday of Advent. Maybe you’ve never heard of Advent, maybe you assume it’s religious and you’re not interested. Let me share how I found peace with the westernized Christmas after truth entered my heart.
The call for change and going deeper; It was the first Christmas after the accident that claimed our 6 year old granddaughter and her other beloved grandpa and left behind her twin sister as the only survivor of that night. There we were, a family faced with celebrating with one less, little precious member of our family. Sierra wasn’t just a small part, she was so full of life, happiness and joy and giggles that we felt a huge gaping hole. I was praying and searching for a way to make Christmas different and more meaningful for Meadow mostly, and maybe involve the whole family in the process.
Enter Advent!
I stumbled upon an Instagram post from a European friend, with an advent calendar she made for her family. I did very little research. Because honestly to much worldly research will get you convinced anything is right from hell created to deceive. That’s not my Jesus. Regardless of when He was born for real, or a tree being decorated or gifts being delivered. He is the Prince of peace and joy and love the only real Savior to a dying world. I realized He knew my heart, and He knew it was His. He knew our family needed to celebrate His birth, His life, His cross and most importantly His resurrection!
I scrambled to make an advent calendar countdown. I filled little pockets full of scriptures and promises for each day and a little chocolate tucked in too. I picked selected days to open a few fun or keepsake like gifts. And a tradition was born, and so was a deep burning desire in my heart to know more.
the season of Advent is a time to anticipate and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus- God here with us. He is the light of the world, which darkness cannot drive out. He is the King of Kings sent to reconcile us to our Father. A father that since the creation has longed to be with His children, to love and give to them. To fill and satisfy every longing place in our hearts.
His victory is our victory, only believe!
You won’t convince me Jesus doesn’t want me to celebrate Christmas. You won’t convince me He doesn’t want us to gather together, break bread, and give each other things from our heart. (Side note- He wants us to do this all year not just Christmas time) Or count down and remember the glorious moment a little innocent baby was sent to a young virgin girl supernaturally, to lead by example and teach and love and most importantly offer salvation to a dying, sin-filled world. It’s a choice. You GET to choose. Believe!
John 8:12 Jesus spoke to them again, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Be blessed my friends!
I love you all, Shannon
ps- I’m back❤️
(The Bible study book pictured is from She Reads Truth- advent 2018: and it’s beautiful)
Shannon R. Hess 