Optimist’s Roundtable

By Martha Sykes

Christmas lights galore, more inflatables than you can imagine, lots of Christmas songs (that I , for one, never get tired of), Toys for Tots boxes to be filled, bells ringing at the Salvation Army kettles, cookie sales, craft shows, and parades to watch. These and much more are all part of the season of Christmas.

In the church calendar, we celebrate Advent, a time before Christmas when we are to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. In the scriptures we are reminded to be ready for that time when Jesus will return one day to earth. That second coming as He will return and bring peace to this world.

During this time of Advent, we celebrate in our churches by lighting candles each Sunday before Christmas. Each candle represents the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that the baby Jesus brought to the world on that holy night over 2,000 years ago. When Jesus returns on a day and time that no one knows, He will fulfill the promise of peace on earth.

Until that day, we need to keep our hearts and minds prepared and draw close to Jesus. It’s all about believing and trusting that Jesus will return.

The Christmas lights sure do brighten the darkness for us at this time of year. Jesus is who brightens up our lives in our times of darkness. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this Advent season!