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Advent is a season of hope in the Christian church.
This year Advent began on Sunday December 3. Although not all churches celebrate this season, I enjoy the time of spiritual anticipation and the lighting of the candles. Advent heralds a season of heart preparation concerning the birth of Christ the Savior and for his second coming.
On the four Sundays of Advent a different candle is lit. Each week has a different theme. The first week is hope, then comes peace, joy and finally love. All great topics of focus for followers of Jesus.
Isaiah 9 declares the hope of Advent to the nation of Israel concerning the promised messiah.
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2 NLT).
As we open our heart in preparation God’s hope for humanity our faith is renewed. A baby in a manger who comes to deliver mankind from certain spiritual death.
In Anticipation We Wait for His Arrival
The hymn, Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel is a wonderful song of expectant waiting for the promised Christ Child.
And we also wait for that dream or answer to prayer on the horizon. Desperate for his answers and help for the answers we seek.
We can pray and hope as we trust in the faithfulness of God concerning His promises and our future.
His grace meets us as for his plan to unfold for our lives according to his perfect will.
We wait for the messiah this Advent season.
Scripture for Today
“For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT).
Prayer for Today
Father, we ask that you would graciously prepare our heart for the coming of the Christ child. Renew hearts and spirits during this time of anticipation. Fill hearts afresh with awe for the baby Jesus. Amen.
© 2023 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
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Beautiful post about Advent. Thanks for sharing the song title ‘O Come O Come Emanuel’ – my favorite Christmas carol.