[Thanks to cbn.com for much of the content for today’s lesson.]
Today’s lesson is about Advent which been celebrated by Christians since the 7th century A.D. Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, its purpose is twofold: first, it prepares us for the celebration of the birth of Christ and second, it reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for Jesus’ return in glory.
The word “advent” means coming to. Advent is the time when we focus on Christ coming to the world.
“Prepare the way of the Lord” serves as a main theme of this season. As we get ready for Christmas, we should prepare our lives for Jesus, who came as “the light of the world.” Today we need to be prepared for the coming of Christ. Be ready and watchful, for the light of the world has come and will surely come again.
So why do most days in Advent feel like just another day for most of us? Shouldn’t we be at least as excited as we would be for the Super Bowl or SEC Championship kickoff? Of course the answer is “yes” and that hits very close to home for me and for many of us.
Like clockwork this time of year, I’m obsessed with materialism when I should be focused on coming of Christ like I should be. I get fired up about a 60 inch tv for $299 and on filling up everyone’s stockings so they think I’m generous. But what about the two comings of Jesus – the one two thousand years ago and the one to come?
No guilt intended. We SHOULD enjoy the season and all of the big sales and filling stocking for everyone…..AND also focus on the coming of Jesus too. Like everything else, it is not complicated but it requires us to be intentional. Here are some questions to help us move in that direction:
1) Do you find yourself being more focused on the materialism of the season than on the true meaning of Christmas?
2) Growing up, was your family’s Christmas focused on Christ or primarily on Santa & presents?
3) Does your family today have any traditions that help put the “Christ in Christmas”?
4) What about Christmas brings you joy and why?
5) Advent is about God coming to us. What can you do during this season to make Him welcome?
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