Advent means “arrival” or “the coming.” For the Christian, it is a time of great expectation. We anticipate presents, traditions, family, and fun, all delightful, legitimate joys. But are we missing the sacredness of the season, the gift of salvation arriving on earth as a baby?
Expectation During Advent
What’s your great expectation? I need to pause and remind myself to savor the joy of Jesus arriving as a baby, to live in the daily expectation of walking with Him and in anticipation of His provision of my eternal home. This four-week season known as Advent can be secular or sacred. We have the choice to let the busyness of holiday preparations rob us of joy or let God prepare our hearts to receive the Christ child daily in our activities, thoughts, and prayers. It’s a time to reflect on the unexpected nature of Jesus’ humble birth and anticipate when He will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all.
Expectation of the arrival of our redeemer is at the core of our life as believers. This great expectation began in Genesis, followed by:
- The prophets.
- Mary, after the announcement by the angel that she was carrying the Messiah,
- The Magi, as they followed the star,
- The expectation of Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him,
- Paul’s expectation as he reached for the prize of knowing Christ,
- Our expectation of Christ’s return and our final expectation of eternal life, when the old shall pass away, and all things will be new.
This season, continue to celebrate the arrival of our redeemer and live in the joyful expectation of the return of our Lord.
Have a blessed and joy-filled season celebrating the birth of our King, Jesus.
Personal Parables Practices
- How are you keeping your focus on Jesus during this busy Advent season?
- What is one thing you can do today to prepare your heart to receive the joy of God’s gift of Jesus?
- How does your life reflect living in expectation of Jesus in your daily walk?
Advent Prayer
Thank you Father, for sending your son, Jesus. He gave up heaven and was born in humble circumstances in order for me to spend eternity with You. Help me to live humbly before You, always guided by your love, forgiveness, and mercy. Remind me to live each day with joyful expectation of your presence now and in the future. Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
Isaiah 9:6 – 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.
1 Corinthians 2:9 – But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Music for Reflection
Personal Parables is the blog of Dyann Shepard. Get Dyann’s complementary study in Proverbs and prayer guide, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Good Enough. If you need encouragement to remember the truth about yourself in times of doubt and anxiety, this free 5-day study is for you. Follow Dyann and Personal Parables on Instagram and Facebook. Dyann is available for speaking, guest blogging, and article writing.
