Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The Grinch got it right. “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Christmas is more than the fancy lights, presents, parties, and Hallmark movies. Christmas is a time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The season of Advent, in particular, allows us in preparing our hearts for Jesus.
Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. According to Focus on the Family, “Celebrating Advent involves intentional preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, the Advent 2021 season reminds us not only of Jesus’ birth but of His eternal presence and eventual second coming.” So why should we celebrate Advent?
Reasons to Celebrate Advent
There are two main reasons, in my opinion, to celebrate Advent. First, Advent is a way to slow ourselves down in an otherwise frantic, chaotic, and buzzing time of year. The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent provides us the time and space to pause and reflect on the real meaning of the season.
Secondly, Advent reminds us of the faithfulness of God. Our God is a God who keeps his promises. We can center this idea by looking to the Bible that tells us of the second coming of our Messiah. In the book of Revelation, we learn of the second coming by the prophetic words from John. “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 NIV) Christianity.com describes, “At his second coming, which we look forward to in Advent, He (Jesus) will complete what He started at His birth, bringing a final end to suffering, sin, and death, restoring his creation, and setting up a new kingdom of righteousness and peace.
Advent allows us to prepare our hearts and place the focus of Christmas on where its meant to be: Jesus Christ. How have you been preparing yourself for the real meaning of Christmas this year? Feel free to comment on the Advent traditions that you or your family have.