The time between the first Advent (coming) of Jesus and His second coming is the Spirit-led era of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”Advent, the annual remembrance and celebration of Jesus’ birth, should never be a substitute for daily experiencing His presence.

Christmas celebrations and Advent calendars can unintentionally crowd out the glorious mystery of the birth of Jesus–the God-man–“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”. For too many Christians Jesus remains the infant stranger in the manger instead of the infinite Lord on the throne of their heart.

Jesus was the world’s most amazing baby–God with us! Then He grew up, was crucified, raised from the dead, and is now ever-present. He’s not a baby anymore!

Christ’s birth isn’t an annual event. It happened just once and prepared the way for humans to have a personal, ongoing relationship with Jesus. Keep Christ in the Advent season. Instead of treating His birth like it’s in the future, surrender to His ever-present power and glory.

If you’re waiting for Jesus to come to you, He’s waiting for you to open your heart’s door and make room for Him. If the Advent season causes you to turn your eyes to Jesus, where have your eyes been focused during the off season?

Remember to celebrate your personal Advent. That’s the moment when Christ came to live in and make His home in you and be your hope of glory. The beautiful history of Jesus’ birth should never distract us from His desire to live in and lead us from within our heart today. There was no room for Jesus to be born in the Bethlehem inn. Is there enough room in your heart for Him to arrive and thrive there?

There’s no need to countdown to what already is. Christ is already here. He’s ever-present.

Jesus doesn’t need an Advent calendar. He, Himself, is the way, the truth, and the life! Merry today! Don’t wait for Christmas Day to celebrate God’s amazing gifts to you!

When Jesus
Lives within
Your heart
Celebrating
His presence
Needs never
To end.