As a child, I can remember always being so confused about what “advent” was and how one celebrates it. Let’s be honest, as an adult I have also struggled with what the true way of observing the Savior of the World’s arrival should look like to a follower. A genuine, true, loyal follower of Christ should look different to the world every day, but what about during advent?
Advent is the season observed by most Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second coming. It is most often observed December 1 – December 24, some even begin as early as November 30. It does have a Latin foundation, adventus, meaning “coming”. Historically, during this season, many would fast from meat, dairy or eggs as a sign of holiness and a time separated in devotion to Christ. These days are to be a clear reflection of hope, joy, peace and love.
Would we ever consider that God is asking us to fast from our normal “celebratory” focuses in December in order to better claim these days in the intimacy of the Father? What if our children walked away from the month of December having a better understanding of who Christ is and less knowledge about the cookies and cakes? Can we even allow ourselves to think that He may desire a fast in the busiest seasons of eating all year?
These days should be days that we prepare our hearts to enterthis season. What is the pre-advent? These are the days where we make our focus on the Savior and begin to empty our hearts and minds of all the things that distracted us from the Christ. In Titus 1:15, “to the pure, everything is pure.” May we enter a new kind of purity with Jesus in these days of separation for holiness.
Pondering about how advent is best to fit into the daily walk of a Christian, I am paused on sharing any details. These days of the Christian journey are shaped more by what men lead us to do in our followings than the Spirit of the Living God in His leadings. In this day, instead of seeking what others are called to do in their “adventing”, today, seek the Lord and what He desires of us in our pilgrimage.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life…… AND let your eyes look directly ahead ANDlet your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…. AND all your ways will be established.” Provers 4:23, 25, 26b
Last night as I was reading to Georgia before bed, the Lord spoke. We were reading an awesome book about birthdays, not because I am some great mom theologian teaching about Jesus on Christmas Eve… but she picked it out because it is one of her favorite books. Throughout the book it speaks of hanging the decorations, sending the invitations, opening the birthday presents & the birthday cards and then at the very end it speaks of how thankful the little girl was for spending time with her at her birthday party. And that is when it hit.
The Journey 