My Thoughts on Advent - Week One

It strikes me every year when I hear that "Jesus is the reason for the season." Well, of course, He is. Then, I go back to the hustle and bustle of Christmas. As I get older, I am more convicted by this: 

• Have I truly made Him the reason I celebrate the season? 
• Could I look Him in the eyes and say that I have?
• Would others who do not know Him yet recognize Jesus in me during this season? 
• Shouldn't every season be a reason to celebrate Jesus? 

It just so happens that I am studying Revelations during this season, so of course, I am thinking of His second coming. The season of Advent symbolizes not just the humble arrival of a Jewish baby that just happens to be the Messiah but also reflects our own journey as we navigate these modern times, not knowing when He will come back again. We know He will because He keeps His promises. We should all be eagerly awaiting His return—or Advent. 

The First Advent was Jewish! 

Today, we can see these parallels with Israel's experiences at the end of the Old Testament during their exile. The Israelites, in their deep longing, reflected on God's past acts of grace, remembering His divine deliverance from slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Through this lens of history, they called upon God to intervene once more. They lived in a state of hopeful expectancy, eagerly awaiting a Savior, a Messiah, a coming King who would fulfill the promises bestowed upon them.

Today's Advent season invites us into a journey of reflection that deepens our faith. This time encourages us to joyfully celebrate the miraculous first coming of Christ, an event that forever transformed our world. At the same time, it fills our hearts with eager anticipation as we await His glorious return to gather His faithful followers. In this interplay of expectation and remembrance, we are called not just to wait, but to actively prepare our hearts for His arrival. 

How are we preparing our Hearts during this season? 

In my BSF study of Revelation, we explored 2 Peter 3, which describes the Day of the Lord. This reflection inspired me to contemplate His second coming, filling me with hope and guiding me toward a true spirit of preparedness. 

I am filled with gratitude for the baby Jesus' during this season yet I stand in awe of the glorious future ahead. That momentous day of the Lord when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that the little Jewish baby in the manger is indeed, our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. 

Because of Jesus, I am

Debby