I grew up in church but the idea of celebrating Advent was something that “those other churches did.” I didn’t necessarily think it was wrong, I just didn’t understand what it was about. Advent celebration is not a Biblical mandate, it is a human invention that helps us think about the incarnation as we anticipate the Christmas Holiday. We don’t have to be afraid of human inventions. Sunday School is a human invention and it has, in most cases, provided a wealth of Bible content that has helped in the renewal of the mind. Advent celebration, whether facilitated in the church or the home is a way to keep our thoughts on the most incredible moment in history rather than on commercialism and/or empty tradition. The stores are humming with Christmas music and the displays are set up. Black Friday sales are starting earlier and earlier. Family arrangements are being made with expectation and a fair amount of tension. The budgets get budged and the waists get bulged and some are longing for the whole thing to be over before it gets started. Into this, the church brings a remembrance of a baby that was God. The Creator became creation. The Infinite took on finitude. The Holy One was born in a barn. A silent night, a holy night…angels singing, shepherds bringing, wise men traveling from afar. There is so much beauty and goodness and real life in this story. There’s drama, intrigue, murder, disappointment and celebrative exaltation…just like life. There is something in this Advent celebration for all of us. So, we’ll be working our way through Luke chapter 1 over the next four weeks ending up with the Nativity Story from Luke 2 on Christmas Sunday. I hope you’ll join us and bring a friend. The gospel is central to this story; let’s be praying that many will hear the Spirit’s invitation and leave with the greatest gift of all.