Christian Reflection and Prayer

(This is the best explanation of the meaning of the
Advent and Christmas season I have seen)

THE MONTH OF DECEMBER BRINGS WITH IT THE SEASON
OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS.  It'S ALWAYS BEEEN MY
FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE IT SHOW US
POWERFULLY AND PRACTICALLY HOW OUR CHRISTIAN
FAITH ENTERED THE WORLD. THE INCARNATION IS
UNIQUE AMONG WORLD RELIGIONS.  THE WAY I LIKE TO
SAY IT:  IN CHRIST, GOD HITS THE STREETS.  CHRISTMAS
GIVES CHRISTIANS THE ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY TO
REMEMBER THE INCARNATION OF GOD'S LOVE
BREAKING INTO THE WORLD--HOW IT DID AND HOW
IT STILLL CAN.

ADVENT IS ABOUT WAITING, AND CHRITMAS BRINGS THE
 NEWBORN WHO ANNOUNCES A NEW ORDER MEANT TO
TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN--AND OUR LIVES WITH IT.  
CHRISTMAS ALWAYS RENEWS MY COMMITMENT TO BRING
THAT REVOLUTIONARY LOVE INTO A WORLD THAT SO
DESPERATELY NEEDS IT, AND INTO MY OWN LIFE AGAIN.

IN THE BUSTLE OF OUR DAILY LIVES, WITH ALL OF THE
DISTRACTIONS AND STRUGGLES THAT COME OUR WAY--
EVEN IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES--IT IS SO EASY FOR US TO
LOSE SIGHT OF US OF THE TRANSFORMING LOVE EMBODIED
IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST. SO IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT
WE HAVE THIS SEASON TO REMEMBER AND RE-ENCOUNTER
AND RE-CENTER OURSELVES ON THE HEART OF OUR FAITH:  
GOD BREAKING INTO HISTORY TO TRANSFORM IT, AND US,
IN THE PERSON OF JESUS.
(Jim Wallis Soujourners Magazine)