| Luke 2:10-11 – “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” |
The tradition of an advent wreath has been used at Christmas time for hundreds of years. The term ‘advent” is a Latin term for “adventus” or anticipating the arrival of someone or something notable. The traditional anticipated event during Christmas is the birth of the Christ child. However, we are also anticipating something just as glorious – when Christ comes again.
The Christmas season is filled with general universally felt good feelings toward men. It’s a lovely time of year when things seem kinder and gentler, when people actually smile and speak, and those in need receive special care and attention. Joyous fellowship is shared in a myriad of different ways and homes and businesses are decked with lights, garland and brightly-lit Christmas trees. It’s definitely a festive time of year.
But what about the rest of the year? Shouldn’t we live just as joyously the other eleven months? As the birth of the Christ is anticipated throughout December, His return should be anticipated and eagerly looked forward to throughout the year. When that time comes and He returns, what a glorious and exciting time it will be for all of those who have lived their lives eagerly looking forward to eternal life in heaven with Him. And until that day comes, we should take each day as it comes, looking confidently toward that time and doing as much good and sharing as much love and joy as we can.
What a joyous time every month of the year should be as we look forward to with eager anticipation to seeing Jesus face to face!
Dear God: Thank you for sending your Son to live on this earth for a short while. Thank you for the anticipation of His return as we look forward to sharing a home with You in heaven. We love you, Lord. Amen.
-Lindy Bell
