Advent

In the midst of the twinkling lights, festive tunes, and the hustle of the holiday season, there’s a sacred invitation that beckons us to slow down, to linger a little longer in the season of Advent before rushing to the grand crescendo of Christmas. It’s a call to focus on the foundations of our faith: hope, peace, joy, and love, elements that form a counter Kingdom to the empires of this world.

A Counter Kingdom: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love Hope (Psalm 33:20): “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” In the season of Advent, our hope is not in fleeting circumstances or momentary achievements. This verse from Psalm 33 reminds us that our ultimate hope lies in patiently waiting for the Lord, who is our constant help and protective shield. It encourages us to trust in God’s timing and providence.

Peace (Isaiah 26:3): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” Amidst the chaos of the world, Advent calls us to find true peace by fixing our minds on God. Isaiah 26:3 assures us that a mind anchored in trust and reliance on God experiences perfect peace. This peace goes beyond worldly understanding and serves as a cornerstone in our Advent journey.

Joy (Psalm 16:11): “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” As we anticipate the arrival of Christ, Psalm 16:11 directs our focus to the profound joy found in God’s presence. Advent joy is not circumstantial but emanates from our connection with the Divine. It encourages us to seek the path of life that leads to everlasting joy in God’s company.

Love (1 Corinthians 16:14): “Let all that you do be done in love.” In the spirit of Advent, 1 Corinthians 16:14 serves as a guiding principle. It challenges us to infuse every action, every interaction, with love. This kind of love is transformative, reflecting the sacrificial and unconditional love exemplified by Christ.

Navigating the “Me First” Empires Matthew 16:26: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Amidst the clamor of “me first” empires, Matthew 16:26 is a sobering reminder of the eternal perspective. It prompts us to question the true value of worldly gain if it comes at the expense of our spiritual well-being. Advent invites us to reassess our priorities in light of Christ’s teachings.

**A Challenge for the Journey Ahead **Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

As we embark on a new church calendar, Matthew 6:19-20 issues a challenge. It urges us to redirect our focus from building personal empires to investing in eternal treasures. Advent beckons us to consider the lasting impact of our actions and encourages a shift towards building God’s Kingdom in our spheres of influence.

May these scriptures guide us in embracing the true spirit of Advent and navigating a path that leads us away from the fleeting empires of the world toward the enduring Kingdom of God.

May this Advent season be a time of reflection, anticipation, and a deliberate turning away from the clamor of the world to embrace the quiet, transformative power of Christ’s Kingdom. Blessings on our Advent journey together.