A Prelude to Christmas
We are at the end of the penultimate month. And this ushers in the beginning of the end — the end of 2025! For many around the world, this is a time of planning and preparation for the holiday season that lies ahead. Still for many, the believers particularly, this is the season of wonderful anticipation of Christmas.
I want us to pause for a moment, to reflect on our present standing with God. For some, this may be an uncomfortable question, which means there is no better time than “now” to ponder over our spiritual status. Our fast-paced world has succeeded in keeping us busy. Being busy and productive may not be in itself wrong; however, can we face God in good conscience at any given moment? If not, we need to step back a bit and introspect. As we go about this, let us learn to approach God by understanding His tender heart towards us.
“Come to me…”
When Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” He is not extending a seasonal greeting. He is issuing a standing invitation. One that doesn’t require qualifications. One that doesn’t demand you clean yourself up first. One that echoes through every Advent season, down every century, into every trembling heart. The Lord who spoke these words isn’t repelled by sinners—He is drawn to them.
Not because He overlooks sin, but because He heals it. Moreover, Jesus explains the purpose of his coming — “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)
In Him, shame meets compassion; guilt meets mercy and sinners become sons and daughters!
The Invitation Today
This season of Advent is not just about celebrating that Jesus once came. It’s about returning to Him again today.
It’s about remembering that He invites sinners—not theoretical sinners, but real ones. People like us.
Maybe you are battling a secret sin. Maybe you are numbed by routine faith. Maybe you are found carrying regrets and you think God is tired of hearing about.
Wait and listen to His voice.
Not because you have earned the right to come. Not because you promise to never fail again. But because He still welcomes sinners. Because His grace is deeper than your guilt and His rest is stronger than your weariness.
A Season for Returning
Advent is for sinners. It is for the weary, the guilty, the unfaithful, the ones who have run too far or failed too often. It is for people who desperately need a Savior—and for people who don’t yet realize they do.
So if you feel unworthy, take heart: You are exactly the kind of person Jesus came for —
Wide open.
Nail-scarred.
Full of mercy.
The Open Door
Furthermore, Jesus’ gracious invitation continues into the future: “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). This gives us a compelling picture of Christ’s eagerness to reach us and his willingness to fellowship with us. What a glorious privilege it is to sit and fellowship with the King of kings and Lord of lords! And so, may we lay aside our doubts, our hesitation, and come before him with child-like awe.
Let us seize God’s open offer, now!
“…whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37).
Affirm Truth 