In the busyness of the Christmas season, you may wonder: is there something more to Advent than candles, readings, and chocolate countdown calendars?

Advent is about an arrival, about His presence. When Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, He changed the lives of those He met. They weren't halo-encircled characters in a play. They were real people, hurt and lonely, anxious and hopeful, confused and afraid, ignorant and ostracized. His arrival brought a gift of hope to those who accepted it.

We live with the same fear, the same frustrations, and the same faith. And Jesus awaits the invitation to arrive in our hearts, and to meet our needs and desires-to meet us.

Take a few moments each day of this Advent season to peek into the past, to see those who knew Jesus in the flesh. Learn from their encounters. Welcome His arrival.