Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier every year. It’s like a train roaring into the station before you can even pack your bags. We rush to shop, scroll, and then sigh, “Did I really meet Christ this Christmas?”
Pause. prepare. Please be careful.
That’s why we have Advent. Advent is the church’s gentle but insistent whisper. “Pause”. prepare. Please be careful.
It’s not a boring countdown. It is God’s wake-up call and a reminder that someone is coming. Advent is God’s word, “Do not just hasten to the cradle, but prepare your hearts for the king.”
1. Advent is preparation for the coming king.
The word “Advent” means “coming.” We look back at Bethlehem, where Jesus came as a baby, and look forward to the day when Jesus will return as king. It prepares us spiritually and emotionally to receive Christ again. John the Baptist cried, “Prepare the way for the Lord, and make straight paths” (Mark 1:3 NIV). Advent is that call. Clear the clutter and align your mind and soul before the Christmas songs start.
Advent is not a countdown, it is a call.
Every great celebration requires preparation. Never host a wedding without planning. How much more should we prepare for the arrival of Jesus the Bridegroom? Advent is not a countdown, it is a call.
2. Advent protects the spirit of Christmas
Let’s be honest: Christmas can easily lose Christ. The so-called “festive season” moves on at breakneck speed until December, and we collapse thinking about what happened.
Advent protects the entrance to December. Slow your pace and focus your heart. It reminds us that the greatest gift is not what lies under the tree, but who hangs from it.
Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV). Advent renews us so that Christmas does not just happen around us, but within us.
Don’t just decorate your home, give your heart.
The world decorates for Christmas. Disciples prepare for Christ. Don’t just decorate your home, give your heart.
3. Advent is a proclamation, a great tidings from heaven.
At any shopping center, there are always announcements about sales and parking. However, the announcement, “Today in the city of David is born to you a Savior, He is the Messiah, the Lord,” often goes unheeded. (Luke 2:11 NIV)
Advent is the loudspeaker of heaven.
Advent is heaven’s loudspeaker that says, “Listen, the King is coming!” It reminds us that the baby in the manger was born not just to bring peace, but to take up the cross and will come again.
Advent proclaims both comfort and challenge.
Comfort me – He has come.
Please give it a try. He comes again.
First came humility. Next will be dignity.
The first one was merciful. The next one will be in glory.
The first was to save. Next will be governing.
The manger only has meaning when we remember the throne.
4. Advent is an invitation – Heaven is knocking at your door.
Advent is not only about Christ coming then or soon, but also about Christ coming now. Jesus said, “Here I am, standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
It’s the season for homecoming.
Advent is that knock, a personal invitation from God. It is the season when children come home not only to their families but also to their fathers.
Don’t be so busy preparing for him that you miss him.
Don’t fill your diary and empty your soul.
Don’t just wrap presents, receive his presence.
evoke wonder
Advent quiets our racing hearts and rekindles the wonder of God stepping into human skin and the light of heaven penetrating the darkness of earth.
When the candles are lit and the carols are sung, breathe and believe. Christ has come, Christ is here, and Christ will come again.
Advent says that He once came to save us. He will come again to claim us.
prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, awaken my soul to your wonders as I await this coming. Purify my thoughts and calm my heart in preparation for your coming. Protect me from the busyness that fills your light. Declare your truth through me to a world that has forgotten to listen.
And when you knock, open the door wide and let us in. Come to me, shine your light through me, and come again in glory. Amen.
Originally published by Philo Trust. Republished with permission.
J. John is an evangelist, pastor, speaker, broadcaster, and author. He has been in ministry for 40 years. He spoke in towns, cities, and universities in 69 countries, and in 1982 founded the Philo Trust, which organizes various evangelistic services. J. John’s weekly podcast, “The J. John Podcast,” features a variety of interviews with Christians from all walks of life and talks by J. John. Click here to listen. J.John’s books can be ordered through jjohn.com or other online bookstores or brick-and-mortar stores.
The Philo Trust was founded in 1982 by J. John with the purpose of organizing evangelistic events and projects, equipping Christians to share their faith spontaneously, coaching evangelists, and producing books and resources to help people in their faith journeys.
