Redeeming Light: Preparing for Jesus
I am sitting at my desk writing this short essay for the Hope Church Advent series. So, I have been thinking about my very limited experience with Advent.
As a child, I attended a small Southern Baptist church. It was a long time ago. As far as I remember, Advent was not mentioned in my home church.
Some years later, in my late thirties, with a wife and four kids, we were living in Vermont, working a job, and trying to start a church.
In the town where I lived, each December, I remember hearing about Advent and Advent calendars. I was interested but did not pursue it. That was long ago also. This holiday season at Hope Church, I am taking a closer look at Advent.
I probably do not need to say this, but the season of Advent is a period of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth—that is Christmas. It is also a time of looking ahead to anticipate the second coming of Jesus.
So, how do I prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth? I like to think about what life might have been like in the towns and villages of Israel. People were living their lives, raising families, and making a living. Most people were not aware that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem.
The shepherds came to see the baby; they were excited, but within a few days, things were back to normal. People who lived in other cities probably did not know or understand what had happened. Many years passed as Jesus grew up at home with Mary and Joseph, helping care for His siblings and working in Joseph’s carpentry shop. At approximately age 30, His public ministry began.
Jesus said in John 8:12 (NLT): “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Jesus is the source of all spiritual light in the world. In the same way the moon reflects the sun’s light, I am to reflect the light of Jesus in my life. (The moon has no light of its own; it only reflects the sun.) In a world of darkness, Jesus is our light.
How do I anticipate His second coming? The first step is to have a relationship with Jesus. When I trust and believe Jesus by faith, the Father gives me His righteousness. Righteousness is a big churchy word that means I am in right standing with God, and my sins are forgiven.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9, NKJV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV
“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10, NKJV
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13, NKJV
Celebrating Advent is not required for Christians. The Bible does not mention it. But Advent is a good reminder during this hectic season to slow down and remember what this season is all about.
The first Advent (appearance) was the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago, which was prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7, NKJV
What can we do every day while we look for the second coming?
- Remember that you are a reflection of the light of Jesus to this world.
- Love and encourage one another.
- Live as if today were the day.
- Keep on doing the work He left us to do.
Go sit on the deck or someplace quiet and think about the goodness of God. Think about what He has done for you.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:6, NKJV
The holiday season can get pretty frantic. It is easy to get overwhelmed. With all the gifts, giving, trees, lights, parties, shopping, and many other distractions, it is easy to let Jesus drop into the background. It will take an effort on your part to keep Jesus at the front of the line.
Read the nativity stories in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapter 2. Think about the plan of God to send His Son Jesus into the world, to be born as a child, live a sinless life, die a cruel death on a cross, and be raised from the dead to save us from our sins.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, NKJV
Think about this Advent season.
- Celebrate the birth of Jesus and all the joy that comes with it.
- Look forward to that day when Jesus comes back and we spend eternity with Him.
- Read your Bible. It is God’s Word on how to live.
If you have questions, ask someone. Lots of help is available. Share Jesus with someone. That would be the best gift ever.