This year for our Advent  study we will be digging into the prophetic promise of the coming Messiah!
Christmas is more than the gifts under the tree, it is THE redemption plan that God himself created back in Genesis 1, before Adam and Eve sinned.  God knew the choices that his creation would make and he had already created a rescue plan for the world through Jesus.  

The birth of Jesus is the physical reality of the unseen Trinity that walked in the garden of the Old Testament.
The manifestation of the prophetic words that God gave to humanity all throughout the Old Testament,  point to the time in which Jesus in human flesh would walk on this planet, live a life we could not live, and die a death we could not endure, to save a world that was destined for hell.  

Behold: A Savior is Born is the story of the Prophets who were gifted with " heavenly sight"  to give our world the HOPE of a coming Savior,
This year your eyes will see and your ears will hear the glory of the risen Savior, who was at the beginning of creation and became part of humanity so that we could choose eternity with God the Father.  

It is our goal at Park Place Church, that during this season pause to reflect on the wonder of Jesus coming to earth.
 
It is easy for us to get wrapped up in all the festivities of the season- and there are so many good ones like going to Oregon Zoo lights, Portland International Raceway, or driving around looking at Christmas lights. Visiting Santa at the mall or Cabela's. Watching traditional (and new) Christmas movies and singing Christmas songs.  Even enjoying delicious treats of the season including the amazing Christmas Blend from Starbucks (you know this is my personal favorite)!

While all these activities are extremely fun and while we have our own family traditions, I want you to remember the main reason that we celebrate this season.
It's Jesus.  Emmanuel, God With Us came down to His creation, lived as we do and then died for His creation. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus' birth and reflect on that miracle. We can participate in all the fun activities and still keep Christ as the center of this season.

May you experience the beauty and wonder of Christmas this year, because you have prioritized the main event, Jesus!

Pastor Josh