Themes of Advent – Pay Attention! Something Greater is Coming!

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Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I will be posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent.

The word Advent means coming or arrival. This season calls us to focus on Jesus’ coming as a baby in Bethlehem and His second coming when He returns.

Our noisy culture that values busyness demands we turn our attention to the glint and glitter and not the true Light of Advent.

Advent means to be aware.

To pay attention.

To be awaken like the shepherds.

To be alert like the Wise Men. 

To anticipate something special that deep down we know will be a life changing wonder.

The birth of the Messiah, the son of God. 

Advent is a season of looking forward, anticipating something Greater.

 I love this prayer by Henri Nouwen:

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness,

Send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do, seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy, seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking light.

To you we say, Come Lord Jesus....

Amen.

May our Lord help us find the quiet to listen for His voice during Advent. May we seek His presence and anticipate with joy His soon arrival.

Come quickly Lord to our hearts and to our world.

What have you noticed about God’s presence this Advent season?