Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation. It is a reflection on what God has done for us through His Son and it is a time of anticipation of His Return. So this week, I want us to look at Advent through those lenses and take some time to reflect on what Christ has done for us.

In Luke 1:16-17, it says this:
“He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

What John the Baptist did for Israel, Advent can do for us. Don’t let Christmas find you unprepared. I mean spiritually unprepared. Its joy and impact will be so much greater if you are ready! That you might be prepared…

First, meditate on the fact that we need a Saviour.
Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight. It will not have its intended effect until we feel desperately the need a Savior. Christmas in many ways is an indictment before it becomes a delight. It will not have its intended effect until we feel desperately the need for a Saviour. All the joy we experience comes from the need we have as sinners. So in a sense, Christmas is kind of bittersweet as it reminds us our own shortcomings.

Second, engage in sober self-examination.
Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” As Joseph and Mary couldn’t find room, we need to open our hearts and prepare Him room in ours… by cleaning house.

Third, build God-centered anticipation and expectancy and excitement into your home—especially for your children or grand children.
If you are excited about Christ, they will be too. If you can only make Christmas exciting with material things, how will the children get a thirst for God? Be creative with the efforts of your imagination to make the wonder of the King’s arrival visible for the children.

Fourth, be much in the Scriptures, and memorize the great passages!
Jeremiah 23:29 says, “Is not my word like fire, says the Lord!” So I would encourage each of us to take some time and “Gather ‘round that fire” this Advent season. Take a look at the story once again. You will discover or rediscover it’s warmth and the sparkling colours of grace within it! It is healing for a thousand hurts. It is the restoration of relationships. It is light for dark nights.

The Christmas season is more than gifts, food, family, friends, drinks… it is about Jesus. His appearance in the world changed everything.

Isaiah 60:1-5 says this:
Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

May this season of Advent remind us of what Jesus has done for us. May it be a reminder of the Hope we have in Him and may we experience His grace in a fresh way this Christmas.