Among Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples was the command that they were to be his witnesses to the very ends of the earth. But such a calling is not one that any of us can achieve alone.

From the beginning of time we were called to partner with God in the work He is doing in the world. At creation we were made as His image to care for the world He has made. Now, in salvation, we partner with Him in reaching those who are far from Him and introducing them to Jesus. And these relationships are all around us!

We aren’t called to live our life of faith alone. It should be instructive to us that Jesus didn’t just call individuals to follow Him; He called them into a community.

We are made for a relationship with God. He has made us with a deep longing for Him that nothing else in life will satisfy.

One of the things that we were designed for is relationships (see Genesis 2:18). And this shouldn’t surprise us because we are made in the image of our God who is Himself a community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Perhaps that is why this past year has been so difficult: it has been a year in which we are not only separated physically, but separated relationally. Between COVID and cultural conflict, social media fights and social division, it is no wonder we are exhausted, worn down, and depressed. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Old Simeon waited patiently in the temple – hoping and praying to see God show up in the form of a baby to rescue the world and reunite them with their God. Then, there he was: God’s Messiah had come! Simeon held the child in his arms and praised God!

When Jesus comes into the world, from his “fullness” we receive grace upon grace. Paul describes this in this way: “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) This “love in action” by Jesus did not just extend to certain people, but to all.

Wise men come, seeking the newborn king. They bring gifts and give generously, inspired by the gift that God gives to all mankind!

All too often we believe the way to a successful and happy holiday season is by investing in a lot of stuff. Elaborate decorations, plentiful presents, and expensive meals SEEM to be the key to Christmas joy! But all of that stands in stark contrast to the simplicity and lowliness of the first Christmas.

Advent Conspiracy is a radical idea that we can celebrate Christmas humbly, beautifully, and generously. Advent is the story of a wondrous moment when God entered our world to make things right. It is the greatest story ever told, and it changes everything — including the way we celebrate Christmas.