Living with Expectancy: An Advent Reflection

Advent is here, and with it comes an invitation to live with hope and anticipation. But let’s be real—waiting isn’t easy. We like results, answers, and quick solutions. Yet, this season reminds us that waiting isn’t passive; it’s purposeful. It is a season calling us to action because living our lives with expectancy, especially as we look forward to Christ’s return, calls us to align our daily lives with the promises of God.

That’s our to-do:

Align our life with God’s promises.

Jesus paints a vivid picture of this kind of readiness in the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13). Ten young women prepare to meet the bridegroom, but only five bring enough oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom is delayed, the unprepared are left scrambling. The wise bridesmaids, ready and waiting, join the wedding feast, while the others miss out.

25 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, ⁴ but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.⁵ When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

⁷ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. ⁸ Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. ¹¹ Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

¹² “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

¹³ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

This story challenges us: Are we living like those wise bridesmaids? Are we ready? 

Here are some practical ways we can fuel our spiritual lamps and live with a spirit of expectancy during this Advent season.

1. Get Into God’s Word
   Scripture keeps us grounded. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Studying God’s Word regularly reminds us of His promises and helps us see the bigger picture. The Bible teaches us what we need. It gives us our daily bread.
2. Make Prayer a Daily Habit
   Let’s face it—life can be overwhelming. Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Keep that line of communication open with God. Talk to Him about your hopes, struggles, and plans, and listen for His guidance. It’s easy to break the habit if we don’t practice it.
3. Be Present Today
   It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” Focus on the here and now. Recognize the opportunities and blessings God places before you each day. Be present.
4. Serve Others with Intention
   Serving others shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s kingdom. Hebrews 13:16 encourages us, “Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.” Small acts of kindness reflect Christ’s love in a big way. We stand a far better chance of leading someone to Christ by helping them than we do preaching to them.
5. Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude
   Gratitude is a game-changer. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Be thankful in all circumstances.” Take time each day to thank God for His faithfulness, even in the small things. Giving thanks is a must more than a wish.
6. Live with Purpose and Integrity
   Your actions matter. Colossians 3:17 urges us, “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.”Every decision you make is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and grace. Having a purpose is vital to living a life well-lived.
7. Stay Connected with Your Community
   We’re not meant to do this alone. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith. We need people. Interaction with others is crucial to our wellbeing.

Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, but it’s also a season of action. Living expectantly means we keep our spiritual lamps burning, just like the wise bridesmaids. It’s about showing up every day with purpose, hope, and trust that God is working all things for His glory.

So as we move through this season, let’s commit to being ready—not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also for His glorious return. Live with expectancy, my friends. Live with hope.

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau—The Devotional Guy™