MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here is a quick overview of the four common advent themes. Advent simply means “to anticipate”. Just as they anticipated the birth of Jesus all throughout the Old Testament, we now anticipate His second coming!
HOPE:
The prophecies of Christ go all the way back to Genesis 3. We literally see some of those prophecies unfold through the story of Rahab and the spies. This single story preserved the lineage for the “Root of Jesse” so that we all have hope of Jesus overcoming death, hell, and the grave.
Because of this fulfillment of prophecy, we read Titus 2:11-13:
11For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
PEACE:
Our God is the God of the impossible. I have peace because He is faithful. He chose a doubting Zechariah, a barren woman, a virgin, and the least reputable shepherds to carry out the plan for the birth of Jesus. Let us welcome the peace of God into our impossible situations.
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
JOY:
The magi (wise men) were overjoyed at the sight of the star. They knew this was the fulfillment of prophecy. Luke chapter 2 also records the story of the Simeon and Anna who waited expectantly for the coming Christ. These people all held onto their joy for a very long time before this promise came about. We can hold onto joy, even when our promise seems to be delayed. Why? Because of what we read in
James 1:2-5 reminds us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
LOVE:
It’s simple…we were dead in our sins and we needed a Saviour. God gave us the greatest gift of love to cover over our sins. That’s why I celebrate Christmas.
Romans 8:37-39 reminds us, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(All Scriptures are NIV.)
Becoming Ever Mindful 