Advent is a time to remember and reflect, but it’s also a time of looking forward with hope and anticipation. The word advent itself means “arrival” or “an appearing or coming into place.” Christians celebrate Christ’s “first advent” or coming to earth at Christmastime. Each Christmas, we remember the significance of the arrival of baby Jesus to earth, and we look forward with great anticipation to his coming return, or His “second advent”. But the greatest hope of all is that Jesus is fully present in this world, making Himself known to us, each and every day. Advent is a season of hope in the promises of God. Let’s take time together this Christmas to focus on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and increase our sense of expectancy to see his promises fulfilled in our everyday lives.