Advent: Anticipating Christ’s Return

Amid our present thanksgiving season, I found myself reflecting on Advent as I prepared a work for a local Advent art show.

Advent is both a time of anticipation and preparation for celebrating Christ’s birth and anticipating His glorious return.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 offers us a profound hope and encouragement.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NLT)

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Reflecting on Hope

As we experience Advent, our hearts are stirred with a sense of expectation. In Thessalonians, Paul remind us of the hope that lies in Christ’s promise to return. Jesus is coming back y’all!

Picture the scene: Jesus makes a triumphant return with a commanding shout, the voice of an archangel, and the call of the trumpet. It’s a vivid image of reunification and joy, where those who have gone before us and those still on earth will be gathered together in our Lord’s presence.

There are those who approach the opportunities of each day like crossing items off a to-do list instead of truly engaging and participating with all of themselves.

Rick Rubin, The Creative Act

Advent is a season to be experienced, not just marched through and marked off as a liturgical ritual. I encourage you to be present, to sit in it fully, soaking in the anticipation, awe, and wonder surrounding the promise and hope of Christ’s return.

Engaging our Heart

Advent serves as a holy invitation for us to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for His promised return.

During this season, let us foster anew a living hope as we experience today in the light of eternity.

What are areas in your life where anticipation of His return can bring renewal or joy?

Consider how you might share this hope with others, helping illuminate their hearts with the promise of eternal life with Christ.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV

Offering Empathy

Our waiting is not passive. It is filled with longing and anticipation. During challenging times of doubt or difficulty, we hold fast to God’s promise. The Lord is faithful and true. While the world feels chaotic and teeming with great uncertainty, the promise of Christ’s return provides us the gift of peace and assurance, transcending our current circumstances.

My Advent Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, reflecting on the hope of Christ’s return this Advent season, please fill our hearts with a renewed sense of anticipation.

Give us peace.

Help each of us to live each day with the awareness of Your promises, taking time to experience the gift of our life fully, as we embrace the beautiful hope of eternal joy in Your presence.

As we travel through this life, our eyes and hearts fully open, help us share this hope with others, shining Your light in our world. In Jesus’ Powerful and Mighty Name. Amen.

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Friend, I pray as you celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family that these words guide you through the upcoming Advent season, filling your heart with Christ’s promise and peace.

Until my next post…

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau—The Devotional Guy™

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