How to Have an “Advent”ageous Month

The new month ushers in a new season. Advent. Weeks of sparkling lights, festive music, hidden packages, and wafting sweet aromas lead up to the celebration of Christmas. Of all the years in recent history, we need what this season offers. Not just the surface delights that bring momentary happiness. But the greater, underlying truths of advent: hope, peace, love and joy. Who, in this hard year of 2020, does not long for these great treasures to build up their hearts, bringing renewed vitality to weary souls.

After months of frustration and uncertainty, of conflict and difficulty, we turn our attention to focus on the Christmas story; God’s ultimate expression of grace and love toward mankind. To ponder the hope we have in Jesus. The deep, inexplicable peace that reigns in our hearts. The lavish love the Father displayed in such an unfathomable manner. And the joy He fills us with that ruptures from our broken places, crushing fear and bringing healing.

As we pause to reflect, scriptures swirl in our minds, restoring our belief this is not just a time of sweet music, gifts and coming together. But a time of precious truth.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son. That whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

This time of expectant waiting and preparation is not solely for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas; but, also an expectant waiting and preparation for His return at the Second Coming. We not only look back to what has happened; we look forward to what will yet come. A future time of joyous celebration when Jesus returns to set up His everlasting kingdom.
(Daniel 7:13-14)

As we focus this month on the four pillars of advent, a marvelous transformation happens within us. The anxiety and uncertainty, the fear, the sacrifice and sorrow of the past year melt away, as He fills our empty places with hope, peace, love and joy. For what God has already done (the coming of our Savior as a babe in a manger), and what He is yet to do (the promised coming of our Savior as triumphant King), stand as eternal treasures that strengthen and invigorate us; to more than bear all of life’s hards. But, to come through our hards victoriously, full of joy, testifying to the goodness and greatness of our Lord and Savior. And that, my dear sisters, is worth pondering. Worth receiving. Worth celebrating. No matter what our year or month or day has been, Jesus coming to us is worth everything.

[If you’re looking for a daily devotional to help you “unwrap the full love story of Christmas”, a real gem is the book “The Greatest Gift”, by Ann Voskamp.]

Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash