Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
– Luke 19.1-4

One of the great Gospel stories is that of Zacchaeus, who wants to see Jesus, so he climbs up a sycamore tree to get a better view. In one of my favorite interpretations of this story, the author Joshua DuBois conveys that “it is always a good idea to try to get a better view of God.” I hope that is what will happen with our 2018 Oxford Baptist Church Advent Devotional Project.

This website is designed to be an Advent companion. Each day you have the opportunity to read a devotional written by a member or friend of Oxford Baptist Church and my prayer is that the time spent will feel like climbing a tree to get a fresh view of God’s love through the season of Advent.

Our Advent Devotional Project begins tomorrow, December 2, with The Gift of Hope. In the weeks to come, devotionals will reflect on the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. I hope the offerings help you experience God’s love again and anew. This is my prayer for our Advent Journey. I trust that through God’s presence and love these prayers will be answered.

Chris Aho