1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (New International Version)
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

This week we will talk about testing and approving what we are believing in this Advent season. During Christmas we are put to the test to believe some essentials of the Christan doctrine. Christmas challenges us to believe that Jesus was born of a virgin teenager. Christmas challenges us to believe that Jesus was born in a manger in the midst of a cave. It challenges us to believe that Jesus' first visitors were shepherds that were not even worthy enough to give a testimony in the court of law. It challenges us to think about angelical messages and long travels to far off places. These are the things that we are challenged with during this season. But as we test them we see the miracles of God unfold. We also see how these Scriptural truths help us to have the faith and hope that Christ came so that a simple person like myself would be able to be forgiven of my iniquities. These beliefs also lead us to think about the Resurrection. By starting with the theology of Christmas, we are moved to the reality of the resurrection. The Christmas season is a magical season. When you are looking for something this Christmas season just do not look but test it and approve it. this way you will know that you have found something more. You will find what you need, a savior.