To counteract the unknown, we seek peace. Some people desperately search for this peace and never find it. The unbelieving world searches for it in many different places: human relationships, drugs, alcohol, and many other potentially harmful things. Even those in the family of Jesus Christ turn a blind eye to the peace he offers.

Storms often take us by surprise. We seldom enjoy them, but the Lord uses the storm to remind us, through our baptism, he will never leave us or forsake us. That in his Word, we find him present. That his life becomes our peace even, and especially, in the storms of our lives.

The spiritual obstacles we face can often seem more daunting than the physical ones. Many times we feel that we’ve strayed too far or have finally hit that one barrier that won’t move. At times like this, it’s important to remember that nothing is out of God’s ability and no one is beyond his reach. That baby born in Bethlehem is the one who equips us with the grace, forgiveness, and strength to get back on the path God designed for us.

Yes, we can know the worth of our soul when we understand that God came and touched our human soul.

This Christmas season my prayer is that God will, by his grace, remind you again how incredibly powerful God’s love is in our lives. And if you can, during this Advent season, find a place to walk in the snow, meditate, and let the truth of God’s love cover you!

Advent keeps our focus on Christ who came the first time to redeem us from sin, death, and the power of the devil, and the Christ who is coming again to set aright all that is wrong in the world. On that blessed day, no one will think of drinking himself to death. All that is so disordered in the world will be made new.

Railroad crossings used to be marked with an "X." Across the crossbars were written three words: Stop, Look, and Listen. Perhaps, the sign makers thought this warning would help travelers to more safely navigate the highways and avoid the dangers of oncoming freight trains.

Advent is a season that can function like those old train crossing signs. We are invited to stop, look, and listen.

This Christmas season, I pray that you would be able to see the story of Jesus' birth as the promise of hope and reflect on the goodness you have already received from the Father with anticipation for the amazing gift you will receive in eternity.