Advent: Living in the In-Between
Can you believe it? It is the official start of the Christmas season! Sunday, December 1st is considered the first Sunday of Advent.
For many of us, the only time we have thought about Advent was to get some sort of calendar that would give us a piece of chocolate, LEGO brick, or prize on each of the days in December leading up to Christmas. If that is your current understanding of Advent, that is great! However, there is so much more to the season of Advent.
Advent comes from the word “Adventus,” which signifies a coming. The season of Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Savior, the Messiah, Jesus. Advent began sometime in the 5th century and became a part of the liturgical year. It is not traditionally celebrated amongst Protestant congregations, as it is definitely more liturgical. However, as I (Josh Yates) have celebrated Advent, both as a pastor and as a father, there is something special about this season.
Advent begins the Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving and is observed the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The celebration culminates on Christmas Eve, celebrating the fact that Jesus has come! Different traditions celebrate Advent in different ways, but it is traditionally celebrated around an Advent Wreath that has three darker candles (usually purple), one pink candle, and a center white candle. Each week celebrates a different part of the Christmas story and how Jesus’ Advent brings us true hope, peace, joy, and love. The darker candles represent the darkness of the world before Jesus came, the pink shows that the Light is coming into the world, and the white candle represents Jesus Himself - the Christ Candle.
My hope in writing this devotional book is that you will be drawn to look at the Baby in the manger this Christmas. I want you and your family to see how Jesus has truly brought hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives through His Advent, through His coming. I would encourage you to try an Advent Wreath this season. Light a candle each Sunday and consider what Jesus has brought to you. Each week, you will find a direction for lighting your own Advent Wreath. There will be directions for worship with directions including suggested Scriptures, and a reading to do each week as you light the candles. The readings are worded with a family in mind but can easily be adapted for anyone. I have added a fifth week to continue looking at Jesus as you enter the new year and as we wait for His second Advent.
I pray that you find Jesus throughout this Christmas season. May His hope, peace, joy, and love fill your heart, stir your soul, and draw you closer to your loved ones. May you grow closer to Jesus and worship Him at the manger.
Welcome to Advent!
