Advent begins today, December 1st, and goes through Christmas Eve. It is a time when we prepare for Jesus coming. In John 3:1-18, Jesus has a conversation with a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, and explains who He is and why He has come. Jesus refers to Old Testament passages, such as in Leviticus 16, that explain atonement through sacrificing animals. Jesus came to Earth to provide a permanent atonement for all who accept and believe He is the Son of God. Through His sacrifice of death and resurrection we have a pathway to forgiveness of our sins. Let's remember the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate His birth.