Hidden Christmas: 'Good Advice' or 'Good News'?

Tim Keller articulated so well that 'good news' means that something has been DONE for you and that this needs to be heard, understood and is available to receive. Good news is not something to be earned or added on; that's just good advice.

Young Life. What do you think of when you hear those words?  Often the first words that people say that come to mind are.... Malibu, crazy clubs, humor, life-long friends, camp, funny program directors, truly caring adults going to where kids are, and earning the right to be heard. Right?  All these are so good! But if these are outside of inviting others into the presence of Jesus, they are simply good advice, add ons and temporary highs.  If these help young people (and us older ones who serve with YL) actually encounter the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then its a part of GOOD NEWS.

The LASTING elements of life, of Young Life, of Church...are the ones that draw us nearer to Jesus, that help us engage in the presence of God.  So for us, if club, or Malibu, or this Hidden Christmas advent book, or a fantastic Wyldlife leader helps another person encounter the living God, we are a part of good news!  If not, we are just activities, good advice, and distractions.

Are you living in Jesus' good news?  Do you recognize that you are COMPLETELY known and loved?  We are known and forgiven and invited deeper into God's love and mission?  Hopefully during advent we can say: "Its all (good) 'news' to me!"