What is Advent?
The early Church believed that the rhythm of life and worship should center on their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Church calendar was developed with Advent beginning the Church year. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and means "coming." It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and ends on Christmas Eve (December 24th). An Advent wreath is often used in Churches, which is filled with symbolism.
The circle of greenery reminds us that God is eternal with no beginning or end, and we have new eternal life in him. The candles symbolize God's light breaking into the world through Jesus Christ. Each Sunday, a different candle is lit, accompanied by Scripture readings that focus on themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The white center candle, called the Christ candle, is lit on Christmas Eve.
Why the journey of Advent?
The Christian life is often depicted as a journey. It begins as a journey to Jesus and then becomes a journey with Jesus. In time, we as pilgrims on the journey can become distracted, tired, and even lost. The season of Advent reframes our perspectives and reshapes our lives. It enables us to celebrate his journey into the world, his journey into our lives, and his second journey to this world or imminent return.
What are these Advent blog posts?
These daily Advent readings are a tool to help reset our hearts and minds on the coming of Jesus Christ. It includes 21 entries, beginning Sunday, December 3rd, and continuing through Sunday, December 24th. Each devotional entry will consist of the day number, date, and title or theme, followed by the Scripture reference for the day. It will be divided into four sections.
1. Recognize the Context:
In order to help introduce the passage, relevant aspects of the historical, literary, and immediate contexts will be addressed.
2. Read the Scripture:
The Scripture reference and text will be provided for you. However, I encourage you to read the text in your own Bible.
3. Reflect on the Scripture:
This section will concentrate on the central elements of interpretation within the passage.
4. Relate to Life:
This section will usually have three components.
1. To pray:
Thoughts or questions to prayerfully express to God.
2. To do:
Remember it is important to be a doer of the word (James 1:22-25).
Let these general and specific suggestions cause you to create ways you can act on God’s words throughout the week or come up with your own.
3. To study:
Additional Scriptures to read or study in their contexts Hopefully, these will be a catalyst to stimulate thoughts and ideas on how you can apply the Scriptures in your world today.
I hope daily interaction with God’s Word in this Advent devotional will refocus your heart and mind this Advent season. I pray it will cause you to anticipate the coming of Christ to this earth, to consider his advent in your own life, and to live in light of his imminent Second Advent.
Blessings on your journey this Advent season,
John