Advent is all about Jesus’ arrival - at both Christmastime and at the end of all human time. And, this week, we want to orient our hearts to look for and see “Jesus-things”.

Here’s the point: Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way.

Let’s start with the obvious: you don’t need to go very far to see the shadows of Christmas.

• Colorful lights remind us that Jesus is the light in the darkness.
• Radical hospitality mimics the welcome of God.
• Decorated trees point toward both Jesus being the tree of life and the “tree” on which Jesus will be nailed to on Good Friday.
• Candy canes are a fun way to tell the gospel story that we are forgiven of our sins through Jesus who is wrapped around each of us.
• Brightly wrapped gifts reflect the greatest gift of all: Jesus, Himself given to us.

The many things we cherish are, no doubt, shadows of the arrival of Jesus at Christmastime. 

Now, you can call me a “Scrooge” when I say this: while all of these shadows are good and helpful, I have not yet found a place in the Bible where Christmas lights, rich food, holiday trees and ornaments, candy canes, or presents are pointing the way to Jesus. They’re all very much a cultural expression of an ancient truth. Again - they’re helpful… they’re just not in the Bible.

So, as we turn the corner in our Advent journey to focus on the hope that Jesus brings, let’s take a moment and look at five Jesus-things God looks for… and if it’s good enough for God - it’s probably good enough for us, too.