The purpose of the advent season is to celebrate the coming of Jesus. We remember the gift of God’s plan to send Jesus to save us from our sins and we look forward to his second coming. It is a time of the year set apart to remember our need for a Savior and that our Savior has come. Jesus’ perfect life and resurrection from the dead conquered sin and repaired the severed relationship between God and his people. Jesus will forever be our hope.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
I don’t know about the rest of you, but about mid-November I started to feel anxious. I started thinking about Christmas cards, decorations, baking, gifts, gatherings, and programs. While these are all great ways to remember Jesus and his promised return, I can often get lost in all the festivities of the season and I don’t take time to stop and celebrate Jesus’ coming. My goal in this advent series is to provide space for us to stop and meditate on why we celebrate. Each week we will examine one Christmas song, look at what Scripture says about it, and provide time to journal and reflect on God’s promises.
Here is the plan for the next four weeks:
- Week 1: Hope (Monday, November 29)
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- Week 2: Peace (Monday, December 6)
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
- Week 3: Joy (Monday, December 13)
- Joy to the World
- Week 4: Love (Monday, December 20)
- O Holy Night
Before Advent starts we can reflect on some of the prophesy in Isaiah about the promised coming King:
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 11
Isaiah 52 and 53
I will post every Monday of the Advent season on this blog. I would love it if you would come along this journey with me and please share with anyone you think would enjoy reading as well.