Hope, Advent’s Anticipation of Jesus’ Birth

Week 1—Sunday, 27 November 2022

(Excerpts from The Happy, Meowy Christmas Devotional)

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 prior to 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.

Germany introduced the custom of using the Advent Wreath and the lighting of candles, which many churches have adopted as part of this celebration.

I began forming the foundations of my Christmas decorations, around mid-November. I began putting the greenery on the bannister, placing lights and the flowers etc., before I added the ornaments. When under the tree, I noticed that I had a“Santa’s helper.” Her eyes were all aglow; her whiskers were alert with anticipation. Her paws were prepared for mischief.

Somehow, as soon as the deco. comes out, even our animals sense a change in the very atmosphere and become a little aware, a little more attuned to the happenings . And as I am wont to do, I began to ponder: Are we filled with anticipation … as God’s children, as this Holy season approaches? Now, my husband, family and friends, can tell you—that I am. But, are you?

Tiger Lily anticipating Christmas

Do you anticipate,

Not just the lights,

Not just the decorations,

And the gatherings?

But does your heart,

Wholly fill,

With the celebration to come?

Do you eagerly await,

The birthday,

Of baby Jesus?

Do you seek Him,

Like the wisemen?

Do you bring Him,

Offerings, from within …

—a grateful mind,

—a loving attitude,

—a song of praise?

Do you ponder,

The beauty of this miracle?

That Jesus came to earth,

Humbly, to experience,

All that we do?

Do you come alive,

When you think that His purpose,

As a babe,

As a man,

Was to die upon a tree,

To save, you and me?

Each week, a new candle is lit, to represent various gifts and attributes of God’s Spirit. Hope (today’s emphasis), Love, Joy and Peace, are proclaimed via a pictorial illustration of a wreath or freeform candle-lighting ceremony.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” Ephesians 1:18 NIV

Hope--is a gift to us. It's a lot like anticipation. It means to believe beyond what is seen. Sound familiar? It shares some of the same characteristics of--faith. It's to have a confidence or trust in--God's Word, His Spirit, to believe that He will fulfill His promises.

We're hoping that you make the One Who came to earth and now reigns in heaven—the center of your Christmas—as it approaches, and in every day of the coming year.

(Happy Meowy Christmas contains a 2-page spread for Advent--complete with verses for each week for meditations with the Lord)!

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