The days are darker sooner now as we approach Christmastime. Heralding the celebration of Jesus’ birth is the season of Advent. Advent refers to “coming” or “waiting.” For thousands of years, Jews waited for the coming of their Messiah. And then He came and they did not recognize Him. For thousands of years since Jesus’ death on the cross, Christians remain waiting for Christ’s Second Coming.
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
Deuteronomy 18:15 (New International Version
Although the Bible does not say anything specifically about practicing the tradition of Advent, it is an annual observation practiced by the global Christian community for ages. The earliest observances of Advent date back to the Council of Saragossa in 380 A.D. Advent is a tradition that has endured over time.
In our post-COVID, 21st Century age, churches everywhere commemorate the Advent season beginning the four weeks before Christmas by offering special Scripture readings and through lighting candles. These activities are intended to help congregations focus their hearts and minds on the birth of Christ as well as His return.
The four Sundays prior to Christmas attune our hearts and minds to the hope, peace, joy, and love we find in Jesus Christ. We celebrate our Savior’s birth as we look forward to Christ’s return.
Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts
Malachi 3:1 (English Standard Version)
Jesus came to save the world. He became Immanuel–God with us–during His First Coming. The Second Coming—the sudden, personal, visible, bodily return of Christ from heaven to earth—is a promise we, as Christians, can rely on because we know God keeps His word.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:3 (English Standard Version)
While I love celebrating Christ’s birth at Christmas and I enjoy observing Advent as a means of preparing my heart for that special annual celebration, I have grown to look forward in great anticipation of Jesus’ return—His Second Coming.
When will that be? No one apart from God Himself knows. Our purpose is to live each day as if Jesus were going to return any minute. As Christians, we should live with an eternal perspective looking forward to Christ’s return.
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
Revelation 22:20 (New International Version)
Dear reader—how will you observe Advent this year? Do you have special activities that help you focus on this wonderful season that celebrates our Savior’s birth?
I pray that the Lord blesses you and watches over you and those you love during this holiday season. While it is one of celebration for us all, it is also a difficult season for many who are without their loved ones.
As we count down the days to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let our hearts be filled with gratitude, our minds with reverence, and our lives with the joy that comes from knowing God.
Remember: we have much to be thankful for in our day-to-day as we wait with hope and long for peace.
Abundant blessings,
Rainer Bantau
The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 
Thanks for reading and sharing your experiences with us. It’s intriguing to me how some churches observe Advent and others don’t. I may explore that in a future post.
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When I was growing up, we went to a Methodist church. I enjoyed the advent services where they lit a special candle each week. My current church doesn’t do that. But I still love the advent season and keeping Jesus at the center.
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Amen. Amen.
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David—thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I think that non-observance of Advent is common. Interestingly enough, I didn’t group up in church but I recall my Mom making a big fuss about observing Advent. My Oma would send me an Advent calendar each year.
Thanks most of all for this: “Thank you for your blog ministry, my brother. I am encouraged by your contributions and continued faithfulness to keep sharing and giving.” I really need these words of encouragement today. Blessings.
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Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
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I didn’t grow up observing Advent, in the little Baptist church where my family attended. However, the church I attend now does. Brother, your post reminds me that I don’t anticipate Christ’s second coming as I should. I don’t truly live like He could come back at any time. So, this will be a part of my focus during the four weeks before Christmas. 🐑
Thank you for your blog ministry, my brother. I am encouraged by your contributions and continued faithfulness to keep sharing and giving.
God’s best to you and T.
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