This Advent season, not only are we preparing our hearts to celebrate the arrival of a Savior, we are also remembering the things that Jesus gives us right now.

Usually, we begin the Christmas Story with the announcement that Jesus was born. The problem, though, is that the story began long ago…

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. – Genesis 6:5-8 (ESV)

It’s an uncomfortable truth that the beginning of the true Christmas Story is that of the grief we have caused God.
WE have CAUSED God.
Let that sink in for a minute…

As Jesus, and John the Baptist before him preached…the key to returning to God is repentance.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

Repentance is not just the security for salvation, it is THE RETURN to worshiping the One True God.
The HEALING of God’s heart.
The SOOTHING of His grief.

Thankfully, Noah found favor with God and was given the ability to survive the flood.
AND
You have found favor with God so that you can be spared, too.

The beginning of Advent is much more sinister than a crying baby in a manger.
BUT
The Hope that is promised by God’s favor is immense and is the beginning of TRUE HOPE from a God who loves you.

Let’s remember the need that our sinfulness…our selfishness..our self-center worship has created.
AND
Let’s let our focus be ON THE HOPE that is brought to us by God’s love.

Mark Love
Lead Pastor