Advent. It’s a time of slowing and receiving. A time of waiting expectant and preparing quiet, for both the past and the future c o m i n g of the greatest Present ever given-to-give . . .
Jesus, the Light of the world
Jesus, the Hope of the world
Jesus, the Savior of the world.
These days of Christmas remind us that not only has our greatest need been met in Christ’s coming, but our every need will be met forever when He comes again.
Advent literally means “coming.” It was first practiced as a season of celebration for the Messiah’s birth (the miraculous first coming) and His baptism by John the Baptist, His first miracle at Cana, and as a season of preparation for the baptism of new believers. Over the course of several centuries, Christians broadened the meaning of Advent to also hold space for the celebration of the glorious second coming of Christ.
This Christ who will come “as lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west.” (Matthew 24:27) The One who, like the rising of the sun, keeps coming for us ~ morning by morning His mercies new, until that final Day.
“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27
The season of Advent has long been marked by the lighting of the four Advent candles, a new one being lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. These candles both remind us of and leave us expectant of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love reflected in the One we come adoring.
What happens during Advent is meant to change us forever. Because the thing about this season is that it’s not a thing at all. It’s a Person who personally created us and longs to love us. A personal God who is always coming to light the way, with His glory and grace.
One of the ways I love to prepare my heart for Christmas is to read through the book of Luke. One chapter a day, for twenty-four days, leading up to Christmas Day. And for twenty-four days she slowly exhales a year’s worth of waiting and wondering, so that on Christmas Day she can fully receive the Miracle.
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His Word always settles me, but there’s something particularly grounding about Advent season. It’s as if the whole world, or maybe just His Bride, locks eyes with Love to hear Him whisper, Everything’s gonna be okay.
The invitation awaits. Not just during the most wonderful time of the year, but every single day of it too. The more you see Him, the more you will want to see like Him. The more you hear Him, the more you will want to hear of Him. The more you live in Him, the more you will live for Him.
I pray Peace, Joy, Love and Hope over you, as you come welcoming His coming ~ again and again.
Start my 7-day advent growth plan, Coming to Light: An Advent Experience Through the Book of Luke here.
Buy my newest edition of my full advent devotional book here.
