The hope of the world came as a baby - vulnerable, dependent, born into poverty. God could have overwhelmed us with power, but love that is forced isn't love at all. So He came as a child, extending an invitation we're genuinely free to accept or reject.

But don't miss who this child really is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Creator entering His creation. God with us.

The light has come. It's shining all around you. But here's the question that confronts us this Advent season:

What will you do with this promise?

The light doesn't drag us into itself against our will. We must choose to walk toward it.