A parent says, “I want to give my kids a real Christmas.” What do you think that parent means? Perhaps
they are thinking of a trimming a freshly cut tree or finding the perfect presents or spending the holidays
with extended family. Perhaps they are thinking about all those things. “Then it will be a real Christmas!”
Certainly, all those are wonderful things. However, none of them are what makes Christmas real. The
sad truth is Christmas is the most beloved holiday of so many, yet so few know what Christmas is really
about.
If you want a real Christmas, then you need to observe Advent. Advent is Latin for “coming.” In the
season of Advent, Christians observe the connection between the first time the Son of God came into
our world as the Savior and the second time he will come as the Judge. Advent prepares our minds and
hearts, so that we might soon celebrate a real Christmas.