The in-between; there is a lot that happens in the in-between.
In-between happens:
There is a lot that happens in the in-between.
We start yet another Christmas season. There are people to see, presents to buy, and parties to attend, and our schedules do not let up as this season begins! It is a busy season, for sure.
However, as you read the words on the coming pages, may you find some time in between the beginning of this Christmas season and the New Year to slow down and look at Jesus. Really look at Jesus. Consider what Jesus is calling you to do and be in all of these years in between.
Jesus came to earth as a baby boy. A baby that needed everything any other baby needs, like food from mom, diaper changes, being rocked to sleep, and parents that are barely awake doing all of this while trying to make ends meet. His birth, however, changed the world. His birth has the potential to change your life, too.
The prophets of Israel foretold of Jesus’ birth centuries and millennia before. The people of Israel looked forward to His birth, though many of them did not see Jesus as who He was: the Messiah, the Savior of the World. Angels appeared to shepherds announcing His birth. Foreign kings, Magi, came to honor Him, bow down in worship to Him, and present Him with gifts. A political leader tried to murder Him.
Jesus will come again to rule and reign. He will judge the world and make all things right. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Messiah, and the Savior of the World deserves our worship, and no one could or can stop Him. His first Advent declared how much God loves us. His second Advent will do the same.
So, this Christmas, we look at Jesus’ first and second Advents. How should this shape our hearts, our families, our lives, our passions, and our goals? I look forward to this journey together as we take a look at “Advent: Living in the In-between.”
Chapter Two: Family Advent Reading
Chapter Two: Lesson and Study Questions
Chapter Three: Family Advent Reading
Chapter Three: Lesson and Study Questions
Chapter Four: Family Advent Reading
Chapter Four: Lesson and Study Questions
Chapter Five: Family Advent Reading
Chapter Five: Lesson and Study Questions
Can you believe it? It is the official start of the Christmas season! Sunday, December 1st is considered the first Sunday of Advent.
For many of us, the only time we have thought about Advent was to get some sort of calendar that would give us a piece of chocolate, LEGO brick, or prize on each of the days in December leading up to Christmas. If that is your current understanding of Advent, that is great! However, there is so much more to the season of Advent.
Advent comes from the word “Adventus,” which signifies a coming. The season of Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Savior, the Messiah, Jesus. Advent began sometime in the 5th century and became a part of the liturgical year. It is not traditionally celebrated amongst Protestant congregations, as it is definitely more liturgical. However, as I (Josh Yates) have celebrated Advent, both as a pastor and as a father, there is something special about this season.
Advent begins the Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving and is observed the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The celebration culminates on Christmas Eve, celebrating the fact that Jesus has come! Different traditions celebrate Advent in different ways, but it is traditionally celebrated around an Advent Wreath that has three darker candles (usually purple), one pink candle, and a center white candle. Each week celebrates a different part of the Christmas story and how Jesus’ Advent brings us true hope, peace, joy, and love. The darker candles represent the darkness of the world before Jesus came, the pink shows that the Light is coming into the world, and the white candle represents Jesus Himself - the Christ Candle.
My hope in writing this devotional book is that you will be drawn to look at the Baby in the manger this Christmas. I want you and your family to see how Jesus has truly brought hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives through His Advent, through His coming. I would encourage you to try an Advent Wreath this season. Light a candle each Sunday and consider what Jesus has brought to you. Each week, you will find a direction for lighting your own Advent Wreath. There will be directions for worship with directions including suggested Scriptures, and a reading to do each week as you light the candles. The readings are worded with a family in mind but can easily be adapted for anyone. I have added a fifth week to continue looking at Jesus as you enter the new year and as we wait for His second Advent.
I pray that you find Jesus throughout this Christmas season. May His hope, peace, joy, and love fill your heart, stir your soul, and draw you closer to your loved ones. May you grow closer to Jesus and worship Him at the manger.
Welcome to Advent!