Advent- A Preparation

Christmas is a time full of traditions. From the baking to the music we listen to. Christmas lights to games like "hide the thimble."

Certain traditions are a vital part of getting my heart and mind ready to celebrate the season, and it's meaning. As a Christian, Christ is central to our relationship with God. Sending his son to earth was God's grace. Christ made a way for us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him again. Without Christ coming as a baby and living among us, we would not have access to God. That is why we celebrate his birth, death and resurrection. 

As a little girl, I looked forward to lighting the Advent wreath. It was a practice we did at home and church. It is a tradition meant to help prepare our hearts. I find it provides focus to the season. I appreciate it because it allows me to build a rhythm.  A quiet place where truth, clarity and gratitude can grow. 

There are four candles for the four Sunday's of Advent and then a Christ candle. There are numerous themes for Advent. We celebrated the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day the Christ candle it lit. In Him, all these things find their fullness, and we look forward to His return.

With the recent world events, we are all very aware of the darkness that has marred creation. Advent helps me place my focus back where it belongs.  On Jesus.

Hope~Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

    on them has light shone.

Peace ~ Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 Of the increase of his government and of peace

    there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

    to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

    from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Joy~Isaiah 2:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns. The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for right before their eyes they see the Lord God bring his people home again. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyous song, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Love~1John 4:13-16

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Christ's birth set it all in motion. His life, death, resurrection and coming return are the consummation. In this time, we wait patiently for him. Advent is a tool used to help us focus. It creates space to celebrate with profound gratitude the happy news of peace and salvation. God with us.