Stepping Into Advent
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.””
(Luke 1:30–33, ESV)
It is easy for us to be caught off-guard and then to be swept up by the activities of the Christmas season. So we must intentionally make space for prayerful reflection upon the meaning of the season. Why did Christ come, and what significance does His humanity carry? How has Christ’s incarnation impacted my life, and what difference is it making today?
What is your way of making space for Christ within today and within these weeks of Advent? Have you found an effective way to engage with Him during this particular season?
Some fast, giving up something we like or cling to in order to make space and time for Jesus. Others add an extra aspect to their devotional times, increasing their daily time with the Lord. Still others create space with others to digest Christmas considerations together.
Here are some possible tools that may help you in this season. It’s not too late to start!
The Bible Project creates videos that help us digest and make sense of Biblical stories and truths. Check out this video on Luke 1-2 and others … you can even view these with your kids and grandkids.
Some from our church family use The Advent Project devotional from Biola University. It uses scripture, art, music, and other artistic manners in which to encourage reflection upon Christ’s birth.
Another meaningful tool for Advent (and Lent) that I have used is from our own MB Seminary. This again is a seasonal devotional that comes directly to your inbox each day of Advent; each one is written by a Canadian follower of Jesus.
What is your Advent practice? I encourage you to take on something this season to deepen your walk with Christ and appreciation of His coming.