Walk Through Advent
With Peace, Hope, Joy and Love!
This week marks the beginning of the Advent season. Derived from the Latin word adventus which means coming, the next weeks are spent in anticipation of commemoration of the birth of the Messiah. As Christians we also wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ to earth. As we await Christmas and His second coming we have an opportunity especially in this Advent season to ‘start again’ as His mercies are new every morning.
Three Steps to Walk Lighter This Month:
The weeks before Christmas in our society can be wrought with long lists to be accomplished, variance from our routines, increased stress and on and on. The tension can be endless and leave you completely depleted on every level. How can you flow through this season with harmony and joy?
First, start each day putting on the armor of God. You are first and foremost a spiritual being and staying protected is crucial. Would you drive without putting on your seat belt for safety? If you would, start to buckle up from now on. Buckle up in your car and suit up in your armor!
Second, stay closely connected to the Lord throughout the day and let Him lead you in every encounter. When you get out of the way He can lead and guide you in His perfect peace. He will direct your path if you let Him.
Third, live each day in thanksgiving for blessings you have. It is easy at times to look at what you feel you are missing. Look instead at the gifts in your life and who God has positioned to share your journey with you. Focus on what is good and your attitude of blessing will be a blessing to others.
An Advent Wreath Tradition
Advent could not be complete without an Advent wreath! I love Advent wreaths and the anticipation felt as a child waiting for each week to light the candle and pray. As the weeks progressed another candle made the wreath so much brighter until the Light of the World came at Christmas. The expectation increased exponentially each week in our family.
I found the Advent wreath in the picture above one year. It is a little different from the round Advent wreaths. Each dove candle holder has a different word scripted in gold. This simple display is a soft reminder of the importance of your heart attitude especially during this season. I believe it is always a heart issue and ever so important now. It is never too late to ‘start again.’
Peace, hope, joy and love are the themes of Advent. Take some time to focus on one of them each week. For example, in the first week pray peace over yourself, your loved ones, your home, community and country. Look for ways to bring peace into each encounter you have. Purpose to be the peace in your environment.
Take Steps to Ensure a Season of God’s Beauty
Write the word for the week on paper and post it where you will see it often. This week, let the concept of peace sink deep into your heart and go forth with each heartbeat. Take a moment now to write these four words on separate papers so as the hubbub of the season escalates you will have your words ready. Each week add the next word and at the end of December you will see that the season was a bit lighter. Jesus embodies the Advent themes of peace, hope, joy and love. So as you await the commemoration of His birth may you find peace, hope, joy and love in Him.
Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! Jesus Christ is God’s most life-giving gift to the world. Keep Christ in Christmas and in your life all through the year.
He will bring you peace, hope, joy and love far beyond what you can think or imagine.