Advent to Prepare Room

Advent is represented by lighting a candle each week on an Advent wreath. Each week represents God’s hope, love, joy, peace and how Jesus’ arrival changed the world. It is meant to be a season of preparation and anticipation of our coming Lord! What hope and expectations do you have this season? 

We celebrate Advent as a time to reflect His birth, the coming king Jesus.  Advent sometimes called “Winter Lent” is celebrated 21-28 days starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving to the Sunday before Christmas. This year it starts December 1 through December 22nd. Celebrating advent can bring about a calm in the midst of a hectic holiday.

The purpose is to ready our hearts and lives by intentionally seeking the heart of Christ, receiving the love of God and seeking the light of Christ. Many get lost in the busyness or pressure of the holiday that we make no space in our lives for Him.  Are you making space?

• Take time each day contemplating the season, what we want from it and what God wants from us.
• Make a list of people you wish to spend time with, pray for them daily and when possible invite them over. 
• Make time in your hearts for more of Jesus. Don’t be caught not having time in life or leave Jesus out in the stable.

Advent wreaths with candles, Advent calendars with small sometimes handmade gifts, devotionals or response readings are completed in some churches and homes during the season.  Many engage in prayers or contribute to ideas that bring about peace.

Advent involves worship, a powerful way to maintain a renewing of your heart by participating in community, singing, praising and reading from the Word. Reading in the Psalms can be worshipful and uplifting. In the song “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts he says it best “Let every heart prepare him room”.  How simple and beautiful is that?  

Advent History

Advent season marks the beginning of the Christmas season. It is uncertain exactly when centuries ago the celebration of Advent was first introduced in the Christian church as a way to keep the holiday holy.  Some sources say that Advent began on November 11 (St Martin’s Day) as a six-week fast leading to Christmas.  Restrictions once observed have since been relaxed, such as fasting.

Dearest Father, I thank you for the Christmas advent season which reminds me to pause and praise you for your grace. Give us a ready heart to receive Jesus that His birth has changed our lives forever.