“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14

I grew up in a traditional church that celebrated Advent. I really didn’t know the meaning behind it. I just knew it started the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas (last Sunday), and each week we would light special candles.  I looked up the definition of Advent. According to Dictionary.com, these are some of the definitions; 1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season. 2. Usually Advent . the coming of Christ into the world. 3. Advent,  the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world. 4. Usually Advent . Second Coming .

While I no longer am a part of a church that lights the Avent candles each Sunday, I still take time to prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of our Savior. You don’t have to be a part of a traditional church to celebrate this season to celebrate God’s most precious gift to us; His Son.

The true light of Christ came to the earth bringing His hope to us. As I light candles and plug in Christmas lights this season, I will thank God for being my light on my path. Actually, I am going to try and make it a habit any time I light a candle to say, Thank You Lord that Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).

While writing this post, I had no idea that one of the definitions of Advent was Second Coming. It isn’t only about the birth of Jesus, but also us being prepared for when He returns. It prepares our minds for the truth of Jesus’ birth. He is both God and man. Advent isn’t only for four short weeks. It is all year long as we prepare and anticipate His final coming at the end of times. We celebrate every day because God loves us. He is our wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.

Without the cradle, we would not have the Cross. Jesus’ birth led to His death on the cross for us. He is with us today through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for God’s grace and mercy that allows for not just me but all of us to experience His love for us through this gift. How have you experienced this truth in your life? What changes can you make to carry the light of Christ with you in all that you do?

Father God, 

Please forgive me when I don’t focus on the hope I already have in Christ. Thank You for sending Your one and only Son to dwell among us. Help me to slow down long enough so that I can experience the true meaning of Christmas. I ask for people to be brought closer to You, our wonderful Counselor, Lord and Savior. Open my eyes to ways I can share the peace, joy, hope and love of Christmas with someone this week. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen. 

December Memory Verse

Putting last month’s memory verse, Mark 16:15 as my screen saver, did help me to memorize it, so I plan on doing that again.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”—Psalm 119:105

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