It tastes like sweetness! What does? The goodness of the Lord. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).

This Christmas season we will sing our wonderful and sweet Christmas songs, enjoy the sweetness of the Advent candles, decorate our homes, and enjoy the sweetness of true friends. We will, for a brief moment, reflect on the birth of Jesus! But there is so much more… a young baby who redeemed all of creation and then will return as a great King in all of his glory. Jesus, who left the glory of heaven for a messy, sinful world. Mary, who submitted to the will of God even though it cost her her integrity in front of all of her people. And us… who gaze longingly upward waiting on the next Advent while we enjoy the sweetness of this one.

“Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Pet 2:3), remember to stop, rest, and gaze this Advent season.

Warmly in Christ,
Jim Howard, pastor