The beauty of Christmas is more than tinsel and cookies and trimming the tree. The beauty of Christmas is exploring the story of Christmas in Luke 1 and 2.

Advent. A time of remembrance and of expectation. A season to recall Jesus's birth over two thousand years ago. And a season of anticipation at His future return as King.

Jesus's birth restored hope in people who hadn't heard from God in over four hundred years. His people needed to know He was still with them even when life looked grim. The same is true for us. When we look back at the tumult and triumphs we may have endured this year, it is powerful to remind ourselves that because of Jesus-as Isaiah prophesied, our "Immanuel"-our God is with us. This means that

- in the day-to-day, God is with us;

- in the changing seasons, God is with us;

- in sadness and in celebrations, God is with us;

- in breakups and in restorations, God is with us.

It is necessary that we remind our children, our friends, and our nation that because of Jesus Christ, no matter the dark past or the present experiences, our futures can be bright!

Hope Has Come: An Advent Devotional is a family-style devotional to be read each day in December leading up to Christmas. Experience and explore the most incredible story ever told. The advent story. Jesus came, and He is coming again. This is our living hope, and His name is Jesus.