My Father's children, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this season of Advent (advent means coming) and as we approach the coming of the new year, we have so much to be thankful for.  Jesus coming some two thousand years ago signaled change.  The angels heralded tidings of great joy.  His star signaled the hope of a better and brighter day.  As we reminiscence, this year has brought so much change.  The hand of God has been upon us, and His presence has been with us.  His love has held us and His grace has sustained us.  His word has strengthened us.  We have come through a season of change.  God has called many of our loved ones from labor to rest, changing the landscape of our hearts and our homes forever.  We have faced and endured the many challenges of living in a changing society.  We are eyewitnesses to the spread of darkness across the wide spectrum of the globe.  There is both political, social, economic and spiritual unrest in the heavens and on earth.  All of the events we are witnessing are heralding the second coming (The Advent) of our Lord and King, Jesus the Christ.  We entered this year with optimism, believing that our God was able to do exceedingly and abundantly above anything that we could ask or think.  Our hope has not decreased.  The light has not dimmed.  Our God has not failed us.  The future remains bright for those of us who look for Christ's coming.  May the festive spirit of the season not rest upon tinsel on a tree or the lights and decorations that brighten the night, nor let it rest upon the promise of a gift under a tree.  May the Spirit of God fill our hearts and minds not with memories of His first coming but with the promise of His second coming.  May the priceless gift of the Son light up our souls and stir us within as we remember the word of the prophet Isaiah "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end... "He's Coming!!!!!