Advent Hope and Joy

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” Mark 1:1-3

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:18-23

Thanksgiving was spent in Texas with family and extended family. Of course, to prepare, errands were given to Duane and me. There was need for light bulbs and candles. In order to get the needed supplies, we were off to the family-oriented hardware store. This store is a labyrinth of goodies. Santas, cardinals for the tree, rugs, ho-ho-ho everywhere. But right in the middle of everything was a lovely nativity set. It caught my eye and brought peace to my heart.

Later in the week, my daughter, my niece, and I made our semi-yearly tour of a huge antique mall. There in one crowded aisle amid many Christmas ornaments sat a lovely nativity.

Each set was unique in its own way, each was complete and each was a beacon of faith in the midst of Christmas overwhelming decorations and things of the past and modern. It was as though God was reminding me of the real reason for the season. I gazed upon the reminders and thanked God for the hope and joy it brought to me. I hope you, too, can find hope and joy in your hearts this season.

Carolyn Olsen