This year’s guide is distinct in that we wanted to go
international. When it comes to how we celebrate
Christmas and the practice of Advent, we stand on the
shoulders of other believers who have gone before us.
It is good for the soul to remember these traditions.

The Gospel is, of course, international. Sometimes we
need to remind ourselves that this is literally true. Jesus
was Jewish and He told us to take His Gospel to the whole
world. Each nation and people who receive the timeless
Good News of Jesus’ arrival need to make it their own.

We have done the same thing with the traditions of
Advent and Christmas. Our hope is that, by looking at
these traditions from around the world, we will
better appreciate and embrace the universal, yet local,
nature ofJesus Christ’s coming. Let us fix our eyes upon
the great hope of Jesus’ first—and, yes—His second
coming to Earth. May your Advent season be bright
with anticipation.