The only Advent tradition we’ve had in our home in previous years has involved a cute calendar and candy. While it’s fun to see the girls get excited about the coming festivities, I was convicted this year about focusing more on preparing our hearts for the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Saviour.
During our morning Bible time each day, I’m choosing a word that relates to the season for us to discuss. I’m loosely basing it on Good News of Great Joy: Daily Reading for Advent. Here are the words we’ve used so far this month.
- Hope. I recognize that I am a sinner and need a Saviour. While I deserve eternal punishment – separation from God – I can have hope because God loved me and sent His Son.
- Expectation. Zacharias and Elisabeth waited expectantly for John to be born. Mary awaited the birth of Jesus. The Jewish people anticipated the coming of Messiah. In the same way, I, as a believer, anticipate His second coming. The days of anticipation leading up to Christmas remind me to always have in the back of my mind the expectation that Christ could return at any moment.
- Faithfulness. Beginning in Genesis 3:15, God promised One Who would “bruise the serpent’s head.” Through the prophets of the Old Testament, God promised a Messiah. His promises all came true, beginning with the birth of John the Baptist, then in the birth of Christ. Likewise, I can claim the promises in His Word – such as ” I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” and “My grace is sufficient for thee” – and know that every one will be fulfilled.
I’m excited about continuing our study over the next three weeks!
Do you practice any Advent activities in your home?
We are using Grapevine Bible Studies, and My Christmas Wish – which the girls are enjoying 🙂
This is a great idea! I don't do any Advent activities, but I should. I just don't know where to start. And by the time I think of it, it's too late (or feels like it).
'm usually late to getting Advent activities together, too. I get wrapped up with Thanksgiving and my girls' birthdays and the beginning of December seems to sneak up on me! I decided to just go with what I could find after a fairly quick search this year and hope to be more prepared for next year.