@TheHillSMU

My favorite Christmas memory is a family tradition. Every Christmas Eve, my brothers and I would gather around the living room with our parents to read Luke 2. After reading the account of Jesus’ birth we would head upstairs to go to bed. Our tradition was to sleep in the same room; this was something that I took for granted until I moved away to college.

Looking back, my favorite memories came from that room. We would sing Christmas songs along with the radio, wrestle, and, of course, never sleep.  Now that I’m the old married brother, I miss these nights.  

I remember most clearly the anticipation of Christmas morning. This anticipation changed as we grew up.  As kids we were anticipating gifts and presents. When we were older we anticipated the magnitude of the incarnation. Jesus, the Son of God, came for us…that is something worthy of anticipation.

I am reminded of Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke 1:76-79, and the ultimate anticipation. As John would “go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” I can’t imagine the anticipation John must have felt as he prepared the way for Jesus, ministering in his waiting. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ today we are given a new anticipation, that of His return. Today the church stands tall in her anticipation for the second coming ofJesus.

I love how these memories point us back to our Savior. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and the extreme anticipation of His return.

For Discussion:
• How can we as a family celebrate Christmas this year in light of this extreme anticipation?
• What family traditions are leading us back to Jesus and motivating us to carry His name well this Christmas season?

Stephen and his wife, Megan, are about to celebrate their second Christmas together.

The Hill exists for Christ, for the Campus, and for the City.  Our anthem comes from Matthew 5:14-15, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."  We are a community of Christians engaged with the campus of SMU for the good of the Kingdom.  Our heart is to reach the campus for the prosperity of the city (Jeremiah 29:11).  What we mean by this is each small group revolves around a city initiative (Cornerstone Church, Exodus Ministries, Habitat, etc.).  We meet each Wendesday night at 7pm in The Varsity (lower level Hughes-Trigg) for a time of fellowship, worship, and discussion.  For more information on our City Initiatives or how to get involved with The Hill check out our Bigger Picture page.  Ultimately, everything we do is to posture ourselves toward Christ.  This website is designed to tell the story of our engagement in the city and on the campus.  Check back weekly for blog updates and ways to get involved.  

-The Hill Team