The very first event on the Christian calendar—the beginning of the year—is the season of Advent. Advent, which is observed throughout the four weeks in the month of December, means “coming” or “arrival” in Latin. It is a time meant to help us prepare for Jesus’ return and remember His birth.
Advent reminds us of the darkness of the world as it is, and gives us hope for the world as it should be—restored and filled with the Light of Life once Jesus returns. Advent reminds us that we live in the time in between Jesus’ two arrivals, and it asks us to prepare our hearts and then act in order to bring others out of the darkness and into His glorious light!
Scripture
This week read the following from Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19:
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.
Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.
Question to Consider:
What are some of the difficult things going on in your life or in the lives of those close to you?
Take some time to ask for God to bring His restoration and to shine His light on the darkness.
Activity Suggestions for Week 1 of Advent
Create an Advent playlist that includes songs like, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” If you’re looking for more Advent music, consider the following:
Advent Songs by The Porter’s Gate
Waiting Songs by Rain for Roots
Family Christmas Album by The Oh Hellos
Consider planting an amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus bulb in a pot. Put it by a sunny window. As you water it throughout the month, consider how God brings hope and life. Your plant should be ready to bloom by Christmas.
If you have a nativity set, don’t put all the pieces up at once. Start by placing Mary and Joseph on their way to the stable, with the shepherds in a different spot, and the wise men far away. Each day move them a little closer to the nativity. Don’t put Jesus into the scene until Christmas Day. If you have children, you may even want to hide the figures around the house and have your kids search for them. As you find and move the pieces closer to the nativity each day, talk to your kids about how because of Jesus, we can have light in dark situations.
