The Christmas season officially begins today. It is a time of anticipation of the joy of the birth of the Christ child.

You don’t need to be a Christian to be captured by the season. Probably most of those who celebrate are not Christ followers. But it is a special time for Christians.

My family tradition has been to decorate the tree together. My job is to put the tree up, which I did yesterday, and my wife and children will put the decorations on today.

My son and his family live on a different continent. I don’t remember when all of us were here to decorate the tree together. Today though, we will, and for the first time with grandchildren, which will make it even more special.

Advent isn’t about shopping and consumerism, though it is easy to think so given all the noise. It is about family and friends and hope in a dark world. It is about a baby born to save that world.

May you too have a blessed day.