Advent is a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This year, the North Campus pastors and staff have put together an Advent devotional that highlights Christmas carols and songs, reflects on their meaning, and provides a link to specific versions of the songs. It’s an opportunity for us to be encouraged by the gospel message of hope and joy each day as we anticipate celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Our aim is that we would, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season, stop to quiet our hearts and reflect together on the Child that would be born—whose “name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Read these together as a family, with roommates, or as you sip your eggnog latte. Let us celebrate the glorious birth of Jesus Christ even as we anticipate the second coming of Jesus as well.

You can subscribe to receive a daily email of this devotional for the weekdays & Saturdays of Advent (Dec 4–23), and you can access the Spotify Playlist to hear the songs that accompany the devotions. The entries will also be shared daily on the North Campus Facebook (beginning December 4) and a limited quantity of printed copies will be available at the Info Booth (North) and Welcome Desks (Downtown/South) beginning this Sunday, December 3.

As we gather with family and friends, may we be sensitive to the prodding of the Spirit to reach out in love to those outside of Christ. Christmas can be a lonely, sad, and nostalgic time for many. Our culture promises that everything will be bright, happy, and cheerful, and yet we know that only in Christ can such everlasting joy be sustained. Pray with me for the lost this season—even as we reorient our own hearts to focus less on the gifts, food, and decorations—and worship the One who was born in the city of David, Christ the Lord.