Advent is here again!
Sunday, November 29 officially begins the Advent season (the fourth Sunday before Christmas day). If you don’t know what Advent is or its history, read last year’s introductory blog post. Advent means “coming” because this is the time of year when we wait for, prepare for, and celebrate Christ’s first coming and long for and hope for His second coming.
While last year I focused on the characters of the nativity story, such as Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child, this year I want to focus on the responses we should have to this good news, such as adoration, joy, and repentance. The reason I chose this theme is simple. I started listening to Christmas music mid-November. And as I listened I pondered what I would reflect on this Advent season, in my posts and in my quiet time. And what struck me about the music was the constant themes of worship, joy, and salvation in such songs as Joy to the World and O Come, O Come Emmanuel. So many of these classic Christmas songs speak of the wonder, beauty, truth, love, joy, peace, and glory that surround Christ’s first coming.
Last year I wrote a blog post each day of Advent. But this year, because of other obligations, I have committed to write a post twice a week that reflects on our response to this good news using Scripture, quotes, artwork, and prayers. So please join me in celebrating Advent 2015!
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:9-11
Prayer of Advent Longing:
Adoration of the Magi by van Loo
Almighty God,
ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church:
the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming
and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us
from feeling the joy and hope that his presence will bestow,
for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
