The final Candle, the final theme of Advent, is Jesus Christ.

He came! He dwelt among us. He saved us. In the end, it is all about Jesus.

He is our reason for hope.

He is our reason for preparation.

He is our reason for JOY!

He is our reason for love.

I felt the most fitting thought on this day would be a prayer. Read this by yourself or out loud with family or friends or with whomever you are spending this joyous holiday.

Father God,

Thank you for sending your only son in the form of a sweet baby; raised by faithful, humble, and simple humans, in order that we might have confidence that You experience life with us.

Jesus,

You came. Thank you for coming for us.

On this day we stop, and remember, the first and only important Christmas gift – Your life. You came down from Heaven and lived among us, walking with us, loving us, teaching us, eventually saving us, but first—you came as a baby.

As innocent as they come, you moved into our world full of pain and sorrow and brought the joy of a newborn, the hope of a Savior.

We wait anxiously, expectantly, joyfully, for You to return once again.

On this day more than any other we prepare room in our hearts for You. We remember what You did for us, with your life, death, and resurrection; we are grateful for what You are currently doing for us, in being transformed to be more and more like You each day; and we wait with anticipation for what You will do for us in the future, in Your returning and bringing us into everlasting union with You.

We love You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help us make room in our hearts and homes for You today.