This Advent season my family is reading David Mathis' The Christmas We Didn't Expect.
To find out more about this book go to https://www.desiringgod.org/books/the-christmas-we-didnt-expect
Starting on December 1st, I will be posting quotes from each day's entry.
I want to encourage each of you to do something this Advent.
Mathis writes, "Advent is not the mere increase of knowledge. Advent is for adoring Jesus."
Come, let us adore Him, not just this Advent season but every day.
Below is a post originally made on 11.22.17 as the first of series of Advent posts related to a class I taught.
WHAT IS ADVENT?
There are two different ways Advent can be celebrated.
Churches can have Advent readings and candles on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Individuals can do Advent readings and activities beginning December 1 through December 24.
This word Advent has several definitions that will help you understand why using an Advent devotional/reading during this time of the year is helpful. These definitions are taken from www.latin-dictionary.net/search/latin/Advent. My thoughts are in italics.
There are two different ways Advent can be celebrated.
Churches can have Advent readings and candles on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Individuals can do Advent readings and activities beginning December 1 through December 24.
This word Advent has several definitions that will help you understand why using an Advent devotional/reading during this time of the year is helpful. These definitions are taken from www.latin-dictionary.net/search/latin/Advent. My thoughts are in italics.
- arrival, approach - Advent celebrates the arrival of the Messiah - Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. It also reminds Christ-followers of the anticipatory hope we have that Jesus is coming again.
- invasion, incursion - Advent reminds us of our sin problem. While Jesus did come as a baby in a manger, His purpose was to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He did this through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. He came for God's glory and so that we could have victory over sin.
- ripening - Of the four definitions given this is the one that might seem the most strange at first. However when you consider one of Merriam-Webster's definitions of "ripening" - to bring to completeness or perfection along with Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 5:6-8, it provides a great visual reminder. The time was ripe for Jesus' birth.
- visit, appearance - Advent is about so much more than a baby in a stable. It is about the appearance of God's grace, Jesus, who brings salvation (Titus 2:11). It also reminds us that Jesus will appear again (Titus 2:13).
We are not commanded to celebrate Advent throughout December. However, we are told to consider who Jesus is and what He has done for us (Hebrews 3:1-2; Hebrews 10:19-25; Hebrews 12:3).
HERE is an article that gives Seven Reasons to Celebrate Advent.
Use this Advent season to do what we should be doing all the time, glorying God by making much of Jesus Christ.
Advent Resources:
Dawning of Indestructible Joy - free ebook
Good News of Great Joy - free ebook and/or podcast
Come, Let Us Adore Him - book to purchase and videos
The Bible Projects four-part advent series - videos
HERE is an article that gives Seven Reasons to Celebrate Advent.
Use this Advent season to do what we should be doing all the time, glorying God by making much of Jesus Christ.
Advent Resources:
Dawning of Indestructible Joy - free ebook
Good News of Great Joy - free ebook and/or podcast
Come, Let Us Adore Him - book to purchase and videos
The Bible Projects four-part advent series - videos
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