We are officially in the season of Advent.
Formed from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent is a time for looking back to the first coming of Jesus and straining forward to consider the great day when Jesus will come again in glory.
The season of Advent is a time for remembering, reflecting and rejoicing.
Sadly, for many of us, Advent has become a time of busyness, shopping, and calendars that quickly fill up with unwanted activities and unnecessary obligations.
With that said, let me give you a few tips to help this season be one of remembering and rejoicing.
Take Time to Reflect
Each day during this season give yourself the gift of time to reflect. It doesn’t need to be hours at a time, but a few minutes each day can add up to hours that you spend during this season considering who Jesus is and what he will do for you when he returns.
Faith provides a helpful daily devotional to help you take the time each day to reflect. You can pick up a hard copy at the church or you can find a digital copy here.
Spend Time With People
At the start of this Advent season, come up with a few people who encourage you in your journey with Jesus. Make a commitment to spend some time with these people in the coming month. Spending time with these people may take some intentional time and energy. That’s okay. Make the effort. Advent is not about getting together with everyone. It’s about spending time with the people who encourage you in your journey with Jesus.
Say No
There is going to be a lot of activity in this season. Make sure you put some limits on it all. You don’t need to get presents for everyone. You don’t need to attend every concert. You don’t need to show up at every Christmas party. You can say no, and you should say no, so that you have the time and the energy to remember Jesus’ first coming and reflect on the day when he will come again.
Say Yes
Advent is a great season to reaffirm your faith in Jesus, so during this season say yes to him. Ask Jesus if there is anything he has for you during this season and then say yes to him; after all, he is the reason for the season.
Charlie Sandberg has been a member of Faith for 13 years.
At Faith, Charlie serves as the Teaching Pastor. He loves helping people know and love Jesus by teaching the Bible.
Charlie is Colorado transplant from Minnesota who enjoys writing, reading, running and time with his family.
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