Prepare Him Room {Advent 2014}

The Christmas season is upon us! My house is almost completely decorated, I have presents purchased, the smells of peppermint and gingerbread have begun to fill my kitchen and Sunday brought the arrival of Advent.

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

- Isaiah 43:18-19 -

Advent means the waiting on the arrival of something important. It is an anticipation and expectation of something of great significance. In our house, while we give gifts and fill stockings, we do our best to recognize that the reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Jesus. 

In order to acknowledge the significance of the season, last year, as a family of five, we sat together each Sunday evening reading scripture, praying, and lighting a candle on our advent display. The kids loved it so much that, as soon as the Christmas decorations came out last week, they asked if we were going to "do advent" again. This past Sunday, we discussed the word hope. I was amazed at their understanding of the biblical perspective of hope, recognizing that it wasn't simply wishing for something, but having faith in it's imminent arrival. A faith which can only come from knowledge and trust in Christ.

Altough last year I completed an online advent study, this year God put it on my heart to gather a group of women who could walk through an advent study together. There are ten of us and we met last night for the first time. It was disorganized and messy. But, it was also simple and honest. We discussed hope and what it means for us to find Jesus among the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. My purpose, which I truly believe is God's purpose, for this study is to bring these women closer to Jesus and the "new thing" that God is doing in them during this season. And, to lead them to self-reflection, which results in action.

Naptime Diaries Advent Prints

Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas. It is an opportunity to prepare ourselves for the arrival of our savior. Even though Jesus was born more than 2000 years ago, we still need to celebrate the miracle of his birth and the fact that he is so much more than just a baby in a manger. Jesus grew to be a man with a ministry; he taught truth and performed miracles. He suffered death on a cross, rose from the grave and is seated with God in Heaven. 

This year my goal is to make the anticipation of Christmas just as special as the event itself. Our world is full of many messages about the meaning of Christmas, most of which are counter to the true meaning. Therefore, there is a need for us to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the intended spirit of Christmas. For the manger and for the cross. 

How will you prepare Him room?