Counting the Days: December 3, 2023
Trey Hoyt, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Health Sciences & Human Services
Professor of Kinesiology
A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’
Reflection
When I was young, one of my favorite things to do as we prepared for Christmas was decorating the Christmas tree. I loved finding the perfect spot on the tree for each of my ornaments. This activity would always get me into the Christmas Spirit. Today, I still enjoy decorating the Christmas tree and hanging each ornament in its perfect place. The first ornament to go on the tree is one my wife, Dawn, and I received as a wedding gift from Father Hall. Father Hall married us over 30 years ago. Each year when I place this ornament on the tree, I think of Father Hall, our wedding day, and the love my wife and I have shared. But most importantly, I think about Jesus Christ and how our strong faith in Him has helped guide and shape the life we have had together.
The season of Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas – the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah 40:3-5, God provided a message of hope to the Israelites, and we can apply this message to our lives today. For us to receive the full spirit of Christ, we need to prepare the way by removing barriers and opening our hearts. By opening our hearts and receiving the spirit of the Lord, the glory of God will be revealed. With His spirit, we can shine His light to others in the world. During the Advent season, it is my hope that you feel the love of Christ in your heart and that you share this love, His love, with others.