Making Advent Personal: A Devotional Guide
Growing up, my family’s Christian tradition focused mostly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so formally celebrating the Advent season was new to me as an adult. Over the years I’ve ministered in a wide range of churches, and when I have participated with those formally following the Advent calendar I’ve enjoyed it. This whole idea of expectation, of following weekly themes, of pausing to reflect on both the remembrance of the birth of Christ and on His second coming -- these are beautiful concepts to me. And while I thoroughly enjoy the corporate experience of Advent, it’s the personal experience I find most profound. It helps remind me of “the reason for the season,” which helps me when I feel lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays (see my devotional post last month, “Jesus is the Peace of the Season.”)
So, apart from what you do corporately with your church during your Sunday services, I’d like to invite you to join me in a bit of personal Advent reflection and scripture reading as we walk through this precious season that culminates in the remembrance of the birth of Christ.
Since Week 1 of Advent focuses on the theme Hope, my anchor scripture will be Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I'll also be reading Psalm 130:5, Psalm 62:5-6, and Isaiah 40:31. There are so many wonderful hope-themed scriptures, but these are a few I love. Every day I’m also committing to spending quiet time thanking the Lord for the hope we have in Him both now and to come. When I feel worried about the state of the world or about something happening in my own life, I'm going to circle back to this devotional theme.
For Week 2's theme, Peace, I’m reflecting on how I can maintain a peaceful mindset in situations that typically stress me out by focusing on the peace Christ brings to my heart and mind. My anchor scripture will be 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. Additional scriptures I’m reading are Isaiah 52:7, Matthew 5:9, and Ephesians 4:3.
Week 3 focuses on the theme Joy. My focus verse will be a very familiar Christmas-themed scripture: But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:10-11. Additional verses I will read are Isaiah 49:13, Psalm 43:4, and Romans 15:13 (this one also works for the hope and peace themes). My reflection time will include listening to worship music that I find particularly joyful and uplifting.
This brings us to the final theme: Love. I bet you can guess the anchor verse I've chosen: John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Additional verses I've chosen for this theme are John 15:11-12 (also works for joy theme), John 1:14, and a Christmas classic, Isaiah 9:6. As I celebrate the birth of Jesus at church and with family and friends, I will take some time to reflect privately on the Christmas story. I will also pray that the Lord provides me with opportunities to share the Good News with more people in the coming year.
Note: all Bible verses are from the New International Version (NIV)
Questions for Reflection:
1. Did you grow up participating in Advent traditions? How has this impacted your view of the Advent season now? Do you have a favorite Advent theme or tradition? If so, why?
2. The word Advent means coming or arrival - what are some practical ways you can shift your attention during this busy time of year to focus on commemorating Christ's birth and the promise of His second coming? I pray my Advent devotional guide can be a helpful tool.
3. Of the verses listed above, does one stand out to you the most? Why? Perhaps writing it out and keeping it with you will be a good anchor point for your holiday season.
