God Came Near

In the midst of the gloom of winter, the darkest and coldest of seasons, Christians still wait with great anticipation for the happiest season of all, Advent. Travel back in time and relive the coming of Christ to Earth, as He gives up His throne next to God the Father to enter this world as a baby born in a manger. Filmed at England's beautiful Blockley Church, God Came Near is narrated by renowned author and pastor Max Lucado, who brings his best-selling book to life. This series explores the topics of Simeon, the man who waited for the birth of the Messiah, as well as the stories of Joseph and Mary, the true history of Saint Nicholas, the hectic holiday season, Christmas traditions, and more. Above all, however, Lucado encourages viewers to be like the wise men of the Christmas story and start seeking the Lord each day of our lives.

In every great story, love is demonstrated through action. Is there any greater expression of love than the Christmas story? Consider it for a moment. God looked upon us, his children, in desperate need of redemption, and he sent his most precious gift. Jesus, his own son!No act of treason, no breach of character, no aborted promise, no moral failure could ever separate us from His love. His love knows no limits and no bounds. God loves us. Undyingly! Unapologetically! In the second week of Advent, we light the candle of love, representing God's love for us.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! In the midst of winter, Christmas comes. But just for a moment, imagine winter without Christmas. An empty manger. A sky without stars. No carols. No savior. What a joyless thing to consider! And yet, how many of us live this very same way? Without the joy that comes from knowing Christ. In the third week of Advent, we light the candle of Joy, which is also known as 'The Shepherd's Candle'. Two thousand years ago, shepherds were awakened to a chorus of angels who told them 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people!'

As Christmas nears, it often seems the world is anything but peaceful. Lengthy travel. Tight budgets. Family feuds. Not too unlike the very first Christmas 2,000 years ago. And yet, God broke through the chaos with a bold proclamation - Peace! Are your nights not-so-silent? Then you're in good company! Just as the angels proclaimed to the frightened shepherds, so the Lord tells us in the midst of our troubles today, 'Peace! Peace on earth. Good will to men.' When your world is at war... peace. When your family is feuding... peace. When you can't possibly check off your list of 'to do's'... peace! In the fourth week of Advent, we light the candle of peace, celebrating the peace of God that passes all understanding. A peace that was born in Bethlehem. And a peace that is reborn in our hearts when Jesus is our savior.

What's on your Christmas list? A flatscreen TV... a better job... a peaceful night's sleep? In the midst of the holiday bustle, it's easy to forget we've already been given something greater. In fact, it's the greatest gift of all! Jesus, the source of all hope, joy, love, and peace. Sadly, many will live their whole lives with this precious gift unopened. Could this be you? On Christmas day, we light the final candle of Advent, celebrating the greatest gift in all of history, Jesus.