Advent: The Hope of ChristmasSample

What is Advent?

You probably see the word Advent all over social media, and your church may be even preparing  for it. For some, churches set up a table with a wreath and 4 candles. You may assume it's another outdated holiday tradition. 

But what is Advent? Advent means arrival or coming. We respond to Advent by preparing our hearts for not only the celebration of Christ's birth, but the anticipation of the second coming of Jesus. 

It is why we sing songs such as...

“O Come O Come Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel 

That mourn in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appears

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel”

For Israel, this was the long awaited Messiah that they prayed for. For us, this is what we get excited about in our anticipation when Christ comes again. In a season like we live in today, we know that our hope is not of the world, but of the one who sits on the throne. As we live here on earth, we wait, anticipate, and long for the Messiah to return. We prepare our hearts by shifting  our focus from material things to Jesus. 

Application: Take time to write down five things you are thankful for in this season of life and share them with your friends and family.