December 2nd, 2025
Tuesday, December 2nd
He Took the First Step
By: Pastor Chrissy Cooney
Many years ago, the pastors of a small South Carolina church gifted my family our very first Advent book. They explained that it would be a great way to slow down during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and to spend time as a family focusing on what the excitement of the holiday was really all about; the coming of the Messiah - Immanuel – God with us.
As the years passed, those pastors became dear friends, and the book they handed us became a new family tradition. During the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, the wrapping, and the baking, the musicals and holiday events - a family advent study each night has been a beautiful way to settle down at the end of the day, to bring our family together, and focus our hearts on the One that is worth celebrating. After all, it’s our hearts that He desires.
James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” He took the first step – He drew near to us through the incarnation. He literally became one of us so that He could share His love with us. This verse in James is telling us that every time we take a little step toward Him, He takes (another) God sized step toward us. What an amazing God we serve!
This Christmas, will you draw near to God by making time for Him, on purpose, each night between now and Christmas Day? I am certain that you will find that His steps are bigger than yours, His plans are better than yours, and His presence is better than any Christmas to-do list that you might have.
He Took the First Step
By: Pastor Chrissy Cooney
Many years ago, the pastors of a small South Carolina church gifted my family our very first Advent book. They explained that it would be a great way to slow down during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and to spend time as a family focusing on what the excitement of the holiday was really all about; the coming of the Messiah - Immanuel – God with us.
As the years passed, those pastors became dear friends, and the book they handed us became a new family tradition. During the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, the wrapping, and the baking, the musicals and holiday events - a family advent study each night has been a beautiful way to settle down at the end of the day, to bring our family together, and focus our hearts on the One that is worth celebrating. After all, it’s our hearts that He desires.
James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” He took the first step – He drew near to us through the incarnation. He literally became one of us so that He could share His love with us. This verse in James is telling us that every time we take a little step toward Him, He takes (another) God sized step toward us. What an amazing God we serve!
This Christmas, will you draw near to God by making time for Him, on purpose, each night between now and Christmas Day? I am certain that you will find that His steps are bigger than yours, His plans are better than yours, and His presence is better than any Christmas to-do list that you might have.
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