A Meaningful Advent Season

We find ourselves in the beautiful season of Advent, the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ We anticipate not only Christmas which celebrates Christ’s coming to earth as a baby and Savior, but also Christ’s second return, when he will come as ruling King. I like how Henri Nouwen, one of Protestants’ favorite Catholics put it, “The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” 

For me, several concepts are woven into the fabric of Advent. One is waiting. The Jewish people waited many years for the coming Messiah – one who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The author of How to Do Advent (Better), writes, “For me it’s less like waiting at a stoplight and more like my computer’s spinning cursor which says at once, ‘Hold your horses, slow down,’ as well as ‘Working on it. . .something’s coming.’” Waiting can be hard, but it’s also a time of anticipation. 

Part of that anticipation is longing. There is not another holiday that has such a long season of anticipation. In some countries people start decorating and preparing for Christmas in July. Christmas is filled with longings. They can be wish lists, special seasonal or ethnic baked goods, memories as family and friends, or longing for peace on earth. I like the prayer Brian Morykon, Director of Communications, Renovare offers, "Father, help us by your Spirit to order the coming days of Advent so there is room for Christ to be formed in us (Gal 4.19)—for your glory and the world’s good." What are God’s dreams for the world and its inhabitants? What are mine this season? 

A final concept tied to Advent is priorities. It’s a holiday for which many of us have weighty expectations (and when those are not met, we feel the weight of sadness or depression). I challenge you to consider what a meaningful Advent season would look like for you. Use the answer to say 'yes' or 'no' to seasonal celebrations and activities. I’ve been convicted recently about what my Christmas priorities really are. If someone observed me this season, what would they say is most important to me? Do I spend more time decorating than in worship? Do I give more thought to giving the perfect Christmas gifts than to Jesus, the best gift ever given? Is this season marked by peace or frustration and hurry? Everything in Advent builds to Christ’s arrival. He is the ultimate priority. 

I encourage you to spend some time this Advent season reflecting on your desires for this Christmas and the days leading up to it, and then plan your days, prayerfully, with those desires and goals in mind. I think you’ll be glad you did as you look back at the end of December.