One of the common traditions during this time of year is the practice of gift-giving. Though this is not enjoyed by all this practice is fitting since we are celebrating the greatest gift ever given, Jesus.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

Each of the advent themes focused on during the four weeks of December leading up to Christmas are hope, peace, joy and love. These too are gifts from God that the coming of Jesus into the world has also brought us. We now have hope because of Christ (1 Timothy 1:1) who is our hope and through his resurrection, we are born again unto a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). We now have peace because Christ has brought about reconciliation between us and God and has made “peace through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:20-21). And through faith, we have been made right with God and thus we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). We have joy because Christ brought with him “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10) and has brought the joy of salvation into the lives of his followers through both his words and his redemptive work (John 15:11, Luke 24:52). The love of God has come down and been manifested to us through the coming of Jesus (1 John 4:10) and the Holy Spirit has poured out the Father’s love into our hearts (Romans 5:5).

Since this hope, peace, joy and love are gifts brought to us with the coming of Jesus and accompany his redemptive work in our lives we must first receive these gifts. May we not miss out on these wonderful gifts that we have in Christ during this season. Receive them, unwrap them, enjoy them, and share them with others. Don’t allow the busyness or materialism of this season diminish your exaltation of Christ and enjoyment of Him and the gifts that accompany his advent. Receive the advent gifts and resolve to cultivate these graces of hope, joy, peace, and love in your life, as the Apostles exhort us to do.

We are called to cultivate these characteristics in our lives. Abide in hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 John 3:16). Rejoice in the Lord in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) and be at peace with others (Romans 12:16,18, 14:19, Hebrews 12:14).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment… Philippians 1:9 ESV