I’ve asked a cross-section of Anchorage pastors to comment upon Advent as an Antidote for Acquisitiveness or Consumerism. Our next pastor featured is Steve Holsinger, Senior Pastor, Faith Christian Community.

I love the Advent season because the whole world- whether they are intentional followers of Jesus or not- are involved! At this time of year people give generously to help those who are less fortunate. Every day another expression of the adventure of Advent surfaces.:
A box of gifts appears on the front porch of a family resolved to have a lean Christmas and everything seems brighter. Carolers visit a nursing home and at least for that day, it feels like home. A student gives a Christmas gift to a school teacher who is just trying to hang on till Christmas break and all of the sudden she has a smile again and some spring in her step. Christmas carols are being played in the shopping malls at Red Square in Moscow, in a tower in Dubai and on the streets of Shanghai.

Two thousand years after His birth (Advent) Jesus is still being remembered, honored and celebrated all over planet earth. Everyone who gives or receives a gift is reminded of the gift God gave us so long ago- not just a baby in a manger- a Savior, Christ the Lord. Every year at Christmas we see someone experience Advent in their own heart as they accept God’s gift and enthrone Jesus as Lord in their heart. I am reminded of the rebellious young man, almost dragged into a Christmas Eve service who stepped to the front at the end and said in an astonished voice, “I just realized I really believe this stuff!” Advent strikes again! I pray that this Advent season will be an adventure for you, your family and your church. [img_assist|nid=163050|title=Pastor Steve Holsinger, Faith Christian Community|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=250|height=333]