When I think of Advent, I think of a big door -- like maybe one found on a cathedral, or a monastery, or maybe just an old ancient inn. I imagine Jesus on the other side of it ... knocking. My heart responds, begs even, "please, come." I imagine a key turning the lock ... I hear the lock release ... then I see the knob beginning to turn, and I know that it is the hand of my Lord turning it from the other side. I realize I'm about to come face to face with Him. Can you feel the excitement of it? Can you sense the anticipation? That's what Advent season is all about!
"Advent" refers to the coming of Christ. I'll be posting some short advent readings here through out the season, which runs from the start of December thru Christmas Eve. So if you too want to get intentional about reflecting on the amazing truth that an invisible God became visible to deliver our souls from sin and live among us as our King - join me.
You can also purchase or make an Advent calendar that counts down the days until Christmas. Some allow you to insert little pieces of candy or little scraps of paper with scriptures printed on them. Others have something printed behind the numbered flaps. Grade school kids often enjoy these.
Genesis 22:18 (NLT)
"And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”
Luke 1:41-42 (NLT)
"At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed."
Thanks so much for this Rachel. This will be my first time reflecting on "Advent".
ReplyDeleteI will link your Advent readings on my blog sidebar so others that are clueless like I was can learn about it and join us.
love ya sistah,
Lelia
I love the anticipation of Christ's birth. We have an advent candle that we make each year. It is a regular tall candle that we mark with green and red circles to mark each day. Each night, the family would get together and burn the candle to the next mark. During this candle burn, we would read scripture, sing carols, play games, eat lots of special treats, and anticipate the Birth. Sometimes during this hectic time, it was the only time we could meet together for "family time".
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year that both of my children are gone and my husband and I have to adjust to the candle burn with only the two of us. But when two or more are gathered....
I wish everyone the Hope of the season, the Peace not of the world but of Jesus, the Joy of the good news and the Love of of God's greatest gift.
it's it just awesome to think about how elizabeth's child leaped in her womb just being in the presence of mary and the Holy One she was carrying?
ReplyDeleteRachel
ReplyDeleteWhen we did the study of the women, that was when I first realized the magnitude of Elizabeth's child leaping at Mary's voice. It brings a smile to my face each time I read and hear it.
THanks
Lynn
Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
ReplyDeleteLast month Elizabeth and Mary were the topic of our Women of The Bible Discussion..when I read Luke I was impressed by how involved the Holy Ghost was in the lives of Mary, Zacharias, Elizabeth, John and Jesus.
I only thought of the Holy Ghost in terms of relationship as after being after Pentecost.
This is perfect Rachel. I was wanting to be more intent this season of advent. It is all about Jesus and that is my focus. I will be here daily.
ReplyDeleteIn His Graces~Pamela