Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Looking Forward

Last week during chapel, I began by greeting the students with a Chinese refrain -- "Gong Hai Phat Choi"  This phrase, usually uttered during celebration of the Chinese New Year, looks forward to the blessings that will come.

In the same way, the celebration of the Christian new year begins with the season of advent -- a time of looking forward to the coming blessing of the Messiah.  As we celebrate this season, we too look forward to the return of Christ, even as the shepherds on the hillsides were awaiting an angelic announcement.

Our theme this month is Joy - Finding a way to be happy, even when things don't go your way.  The Bible encourages us to rejoice always, yet again, rejoice (Phil 4:4) -- even in the face of persecution and despair.  True joy comes from the Spirit of Christ.

During this hectic month, don't forgot to share the JOY of Christ with those around you.  Look forward to the impossible becoming possible.  Don't forget -- the best days are yet to come.