It’s hurry-up time all around us. The next four weeks will be like a train picking up speed, as we head toward Christmas. However, our hurrying in this season usually focuses on shallow and superficial things. We easily lose sight of the real purpose of this season — to help us focus on God’s plan of salvation, from the manger to the cross.

The purpose of Advent is to help us keep Christ at the center of our Advent preparations and Christmas celebration. Now is the time of God’s favor, the time to celebrate God favoring us with the gift of a Savior. Now is the time to welcome God’s Spirit to re-shape our plans and priorities for this season and every season. Now is the time to spend time each day with our Lord in worship, prayer, and devotions, as we prepare for a fitting celebration of His birth.