Advent: The Coming of our Lord

2 P&P Blog for week of 25 November - 1 December 2023

Candlelit image of Advent

Advent means the “arrival or coming” of something or someone that is “especially important.” It is the time on our calendars that marks the four Sundays before Christmas. It is the celebration leading up to the arrival of the Baby Jesus, but it also symbolically looks ahead to the second coming of Christ. 

Advent itself began as early as 380 AD; France and Spain are noted as the originators of the ritual, while Germany introduced the custom of using the Advent Wreath and the lighting of candles, which many churches have adopted as part of this celebration. Modern Advent is attributed to Rome from the late 6th or early 7th century. It is a custom cherished that has spread throughout the world. But to me, Advent signifies a sense of anticipation. For on both counts—the Nativity (the Birth of Jesus) and His second coming—were, and are, the events that we long for. 

The Message of Advent

Each week, a new candle is lit to represent various gifts and attributes of God’s Spirit. Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace are proclaimed via a pictorial illustration of a wreath or freeform candle-lighting ceremony. So today, I thought I would take a minute to encourage you … with some promises for each of these elements.

Hope: Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:3-5, Psalm 147:11, Romans 5:5

Joy: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 61:10, 3 John 1:4, Zephaniah 3:17

Peace: Numbers 6:24-26, John 14:27, Psalm 4:8, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 52:7, Psalm 29:11, Luke 2:14

Love: John 3:16-17, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Psalm 136:2-3, Romans 8:38-39, Galatians 5:22-23

Christ Alone: John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Acts 4:12, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 1:8

May each week in this procession of candle lighting, be not just a symbol, but bring true illumination to your heart. For the babe, Jesus—is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He rules and reigns. He was, and is, and is to come. And the message of Advent is not simply an act of lighting candles ‘round a display—but it is an opportunity to experience the circle of God’s amazing love—encompassing all that we do and give—in His Holy season. I hope you take time to look up these promises, for they are filled with the attributes of His Spirit. And I pray that this meditation will draw your heart closer to our God and Father.

An Advent Prayer

Oh Lord, May Hope,

Rise in our hearts,

To fill our souls with Joy—

Till it overflows,

Into Peace.

May we radiate,

The Love of Christ,

To everyone we meet,

In this Holy Season!

And may You,

Be the Center,

Of all that we say,

Do, share, or give,

We pray.

For this is to have an advent,

An awakening,

Of You. 

Amen.

This is a Sample Entry from the Happy Meowy Christmas Devotional. This delightful book will enchant readers of all ages by weaving the story of Jesus' Birth from Luke 2 around the whimsy of cats. Click here for the full book description, a look inside, and more!

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