candles

A Sheep’s Reason to Embrace Advent

/ taethne

Embracing the Gift of Advent: A Time to Draw Near

Dear friend, as the days grow shorter and the world around us twinkles with holiday lights, I want to invite you into something truly special—observing Advent. It’s more than just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a gentle whisper from God, calling us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the miracle of Jesus’ birth. In my own life, Advent has become a cherished rhythm, a way to step out of the hustle and find that quiet space where God’s presence feels so close. Let me share with you why I believe we should embrace this season, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who came to us as a baby in a manger.

First, Advent reminds us of the profound story of God’s love breaking into our world. Think about it: over 2,000 years ago, the prophets foretold a Savior, and in the fullness of time, Jesus arrived. As Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Observing Advent helps us relive that anticipation, much like Mary and Joseph did on their journey to Bethlehem. It’s a chance to meditate on Scripture, light candles each week, and let the wonder of the Incarnation sink deep into our souls. In a world that rushes straight to the festivities, Advent says, “Slow down, my child—savor the promise fulfilled.”

But it’s not just about looking back; Advent also turns our eyes forward to Christ’s return. Jesus promised He’d come again, and this season stirs that holy longing in us. It’s like waiting for a dear friend to arrive after a long absence—our hearts ache with hope. The four weeks of Advent, themed around hope, peace, joy, and love, guide us to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives. Maybe you’ve felt the weight of uncertainty this year; Advent offers a balm, reminding us that Jesus is the Light who pierces every darkness. As we light the Advent wreath or read devotional passages, we’re not just marking time—we’re aligning our spirits with God’s eternal plan, preparing room in our hearts for Him anew.

On a personal note, I did not grow up in a religious tradition that celebrated Advent. I found it here in my later years. The Christmas season my favorite season for preaching and teaching God’s Word, sometimes felt overwhelming. Work deadlines, family stresses, the usual chaos. But committing to using Advent with my family, lighting a candle each week as we looked at Bible verses together, both about Christ’s first Incarnation and His coming return brought such peace with it that I was hooked. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about presence. It helped us to center our lives, reflecting on the true reason for the season. Observing Advent helped me see Christmas not as an event, but as an encounter with the living God. And friend, that’s available to you too. Whether you’re new to this or returning after years away, it’s never too late to start. Perhaps begin with a small step: find an Advent calendar with Scriptures, or join an online community sharing reflections. Let it be a warm embrace from the Father, drawing you closer.

As we journey through these weeks, may your heart overflow with the joy of expectation. Let’s pray together: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Advent, a season to remember Your Son’s humble arrival and to yearn for His glorious return. Help us to observe it with open hearts, finding hope in Your promises, peace in Your presence, joy in Your salvation, and love in Your endless grace. Draw us nearer to You, Lord, and let this time transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With warmth and blessings,
Your friend in Christ

Rethinking Advent

/ taethne

I did not grow up celebrating the Advent season. My faith tradition saw Advent as “a Catholic thing” and avoided it completely. My first real encounter with Advent was while visiting Methodist churches during the holiday season and watching the lighting of the candles but I still didn’t understand what it was all about. I did think that an Advent calendar with candies or toys behind each window was cool ( I still would like a Lego one!)

Recently, though, I have been exploring Advent and trying to understand it. This Sunday was the first Sunday in Advent, with the lighting of the Candle of Prophecy or the Hope Candle. The idea is for us to focus this week on the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and the Scriptures that foretold His arrival. In a world bereft of hope, to a people who were beaten and conquered, the longing for their Messiah was intense. For us today, we can look back and take joy that the Messiah did come just as predicted. We can look ahead to the prophecy of the Messiah’s return, to rescue once again a people beaten down and trying to hang onto the hope of His return.

Traditionally, during Advent, Christmas carols and hymns are not sung. Not until Christmas Eve, anyway. Then, for 12 days afterwards they are sung. During Advent, Advent songs are sung, like Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel or Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Quite a few churches I know sing both during the season though.

Advent seeks to refocus us on the true meaning of Christmas. The coming of the Messiah, the birth of Jesus Christ. In a modern, secular age where gifts are the focus of the holiday season, Advent calls us back to why we celebrate. A people living in great darkness will see the Light. Historically, the 4 weeks of Advent saw believers focusing on fasting, repentance and hopefully and prayerfully pondering the great gift God has given to us in His Son. Now that I can celebrate. To re-focus on God and His provision, that is a good thing.

I will still sing my Christmas carols prior to Christmas. I like them too much. I will grab some purple, pink and white candles and incorporate them at home, though, as a teaching tool and a reminder to myself. I will seek to understand more about the 2nd candle (Preparation or Bethlehem), the 3rd (Candle of Joy or Shepherd candle) and the 4th (Candle of Love or Angelic Announcement candle). Of course, the White Candle for Christ needs no explanation. I will seek to prepare myself spiritually for celebrating Christmas with even more meaning than before. So come with me on this journey of Advent and let me know what Advent traditions you have or the meaning it holds for you. Enjoy this week’s song lyrics below.

 

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14