Advent: Waiting and watching

The Advent Candle: Waiting and Watching

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I've been reading two Advent books this year: Good News of Great Joy by John Piper, and The Art of Living in Advent by Sylvie Vanhoozer. The first, reminds us simply why God sent His son as a baby over 2,000 years ago. He is a gift! But a gift needs to be received and opened before enjoying it. Have you received God’s precious gift of a relationship with God’s Son Jesus? 

The second, by Vanhoozer, relates the coming of the Christ Child as anticipated in her home in Provence, France, where they prepare the crèche with local foliage, and add each day of Advent, a santon or little saint in everyday dress representing a variety of townspeople and their humble professions.

​Each one of us, no matter who we are, can celebrate the coming of the baby who will someday become King. But first, Jesus needed to grow up as a perfect man, yet God, to be sacrificed in our place so we could live in freedom from the penalty of sin. What an honor to be a part of God’s family, and someday, live in Heaven with the King of Kings.

So What Are We Waiting For?

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Years ago, Jewish men and women, who knew the prophecy, waited for the Messiah. Most thought he would be born a King, so they missed him. The Messiah, born as a baby of a poor family? Growing up to die on a cross? A man who claimed to be the son of God? Yes!

​They didn't realize the first time he came, it would be to save the world from the penalty of sin. He will someday, come back as King to bring his children, who have received his precious gift, home to Heaven. 

That comes back to the five Advent candles labeled as the image above: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace and Christ, the Reason we celebrate Christmas. We often forget that His name is in the holiday. What are we waiting for—in our lives and in the world?

HOPE for

Children who are safe and happy
Enough money to pay the bills
Healthy Body & Minds

Because Jesus was raised from the dead and conquered death, we, His children have hope that we will live forever with Him in Heaven.

LOVE for

My labradoodle 
A soulmate
The perfect job

Jesus gave His life so we can live—the ultimate act of love.

JOY in

A vacation to refresh us 
Appreciative and obedient children
A dress that lifts my spirits

It's not dependent on our circumstances, but knowing God works all things together for our good. 

PEACE in

Our homes
Our jobs
Our hearts 

Jesus is the ultimate Prince of Peace who will one day return to destroy death and the devil and bring peace to the world.

CHRIST

Our Good Shepherd 
Son of God and Savior
Light of the World
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He is the only one who can satisfy our deepest longings. 

What Gift Can We Bring to Jesus?

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Jesus has given us so much: eternal life and peace for those who have accepted His gift of salvation. What can we give Him in return? Does Jesus have a wish list? If He did, He would want our hearts—our undivided attention and love. A famous poet penned these words which were made into a carol, In the Bleak Mid-winter. The last stanza says:

“What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.”

 -Christina Rossetti

Does Jesus have your heart?