Preparing for Advent

As we enter the Christmas season, are we preparing ourselves for Jesus? Or will we be caught up with all the hustle and bustle of the season that our focus becomes skewed? My challenge to myself as well as to each of us is that we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth.

One way in particular is the celebration of Advent. Thanks to Rob's Mom and researching the subject, I have become a little more knowledgeable on the subject. I must confess that I still have a long way to go. However, the joy of Advent is learning as you go.

Last year, I picked up a ParentLife magazine at church during the month of November and it had an excellent article about Advent by Lisa Whelchel (who starred on "The Facts of Life."). Here is an excerpt from that article.

"It is exciting to have someone special come visit, isn't it? That is what Advent is all about. The word Advent means " to come," and refers to Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Advent is about looking forward to celebrating the day when God stepped into history as a human being.

. . . As you incorporate Advent traditions into  your family celebration, do not neglect to point your hope toward an even more exciting visitation. Advent is also a good time to prepare your heart and life by looking inside to see if there is anything that needs cleaning up as you look forward to the appearance of Jesus' second coming! May the preparation and the visitation, the 

seeking and the finding, the promise and the fulfillment, bring you and your family much joy this Christmas season."

[A personal interjection - We spend a lot of time celebrating the Jesus' first coming His birth, and rightly so. Lisa's exhortation and gentle reminder for each of us to prepare our hearts and to look forward to Jesus' second coming is worthy of our consideration and self-examination.]

At the conclusion of the article, she explained how to utilize an Advent Wreath. I have taken the time to type out her explanation just as it was written in her article because I found it helpful and I am certain you will, too.

Advent Wreath

Join in the celebration with an Advent Wreath. This circle of evergreen reminds us of God's forever love, a love that has no beginning and no end. Four candles --- three purple and one pink --- stand amid the greenery. A white candle stands in the center.

The first purple candle is called Prophecy or the Hope candle. It invites you to thank God for the hope you have in Jesus, the prophesied Messiah.

The second purple candle is called Bethlehem or Peace. In Bethlehem, the Prince of Peace was born so that sinners could be at peace with the holy God.

The pink Shepherd's candle, or Joy, celebrates the good tidings of great joy that is for all people: Christ is born!

The final purple candle is called Angel or Love. Joining with the heavenly hosts that first Christmas night, we say, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!" (Luke 2:14).

Love entered the world through the birth of Jesus, represented by the white Christ candle. Jesus came to die as punishment for our sins. That is amazing love --- a love worth taking four weeks to think about.

Purchase an Advent wreath or make one with a circle of evergreen and five candles. Light the first purple on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. On the next Sunday, light both the first and second purple candles. Two Sundays before Christmas, light the first two purple candles as well as the pink candle. Light the last purpose candle with the other three on the Sunday before Christmas. On Christmas Day, light all four candles and the white Christ candle. As you light each candle, talk about what it represents and how its meaning can fuel your family's excitement for what Christmas is really all about."

Advent 2008 Schedule

* 1st Sunday is November 30

* 2nd Sunday is December 7

* 3rd Sunday is December 14

* 4th Sunday is December 21

* Christmas Day

Please note there are various ways to celebrate Advent. I thought this particular explanation could benefit families who might be celebrating Advent for the first time.

Throughout the Christmas season, I shall be sharing many thoughts, ideas and reflections with each of you. Some will be original while some will be similar to what I have shared in this posting.

Please check in often because you will not want to miss any of our Christmas Celebration.

Come,Let Us Worship the King!

[Advent & Advent Wreath Explanations copied from an article by Lisa Whelcel, November 2007, ParentLife magazine (Lifeway publication), pages 32-34]