I don’t remember actually celebrating Advent at home when I was young unless you count the advent calendars that we sometimes persuaded Mom to get. My memory is fuzzy but I do believe the Church we attended celebrated Advent every year. There was a different family from the congregation to light up a candle during the Sunday Masses in December.
My understanding of Advent is that it is a time believers anticipate Christmas but as I look deeper into it, Advent is so much more. Advent is a time to prepare our heart for Jesus’ coming! Just like the people of God in the Old Testament had to wait for their Messiah, we wait to celebrate Jesus’ birth and His second coming.
The word advent actually means “arrival” or “a coming.” Therefore, Advent is the season we remember and celebrate the arrival of Jesus’ birth and anticipate His return.
I have to admit that I usually don’t feel in the right spirit during Advent because I’m focusing on the commercialization of Christmas. I see Christmas decorations being sold in stores even though Thanksgiving isn’t over yet. So that is why Advent is important for me to get in the right spirit.
Reading Bible verses about the story of Jesus’ birth helps me focus on the right thing. As my previous post “Lighting Star” mentioned, seeing Christmas lights twinkle, especially if shaped as a star, brings me joy and peace. Listening to Christmas Carols is another way to get me in the right spirit.
I’ve been to church services during Advent where scriptures about Jesus’ promise to come again were read as well as His birth. There were services where a wreath of candles is lit every Sunday and then on Christmas Eve.
Do you have an Advent tradition? I usually have an Advent devotional on my phone to follow. Decorating our home with colorful lights including candles, giving gifts, and listening to Christian Christmas music have become a tradition for us.
Prayer
Almighty God in heaven,
Thank You for sending Your only Son to be the way we could have a relationship with You. We don’t deserve the priceless gift of peace that Jesus gives us and the love He showed us by sacrificing His life for us. Help us to remember the hope of Your promises throughout the year.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Verses
John 1:9 The One who is the true light was coming into the world
John 1:14 So the Word became human and lived among us
Isaiah 9:6 A son is given to us. He will be called Mighty God, Prince of Peace
Zechariah 9:9 Look! Your King is coming to you. He is righteous yet humble
Romans 15:13 God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace
Luke 2:10-11 The angel said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, has been born today”
Hebrews 9:28 Christ will come again to bring salvation to all who eagerly wait for Him
James 5:7 Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return
John 14:27 Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart”
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord
Philippians 4:7 You will experience God’s peace which is beyond understanding
Romans 5:1 We have been made right in god’s sight because of what Jesus has done for us
Matthew 6:26 You are more valuable to God than the birds who don’t plant or harvest
Galatians 5:4-5 God sent His Son, born of a woman, to buy freedom for us
Song
“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a classic Christmas carol and this version is sung by Chris Tomlin.
Call To Action
If you have already prayed, read the verses, and listened to the suggested song, then read the Christmas story in Matthew 1:18 – 2:23 and Luke 1:26 – 2:40. Do you prefer one story over the other?