Prepare for the Coming King

This next Sunday is the start of Advent, and I have to say that I know very little about what this season actually means.

So, I looked it up.

Advent means the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

It is to be a time of the year where we, as Christians, look towards the birth of our Savior and prepare for His return.

We are called to slow down and wait purposefully.

To long for the coming of our King.

To prepare our hearts for Him.

So much, in our culture, is based on the idea of getting everything you want right when you realize you want it.

We don’t want to wait.

We want to get.

Advent is to be a time where we stop and wait for the coming birth of Jesus.

I find it interesting that the church year starts with Advent.

I think most people would think that it would start with Christmas or Easter. One of the major holidays.

But I think the early church fathers did this very purposefully.

We don’t start our year with a big celebration.

We start with waiting and preparing ourselves for His coming.

We are called to worship Him.

So often today, and especially this time of year, we run around and never stop.

We all look toward Christmas and sometimes, at least for me, can’t wait for the season to be over, because it can be so chaotic and busy.

Culture tells us to get everything we can both for those around us and for ourselves.

But God has called us to slow down and look to His coming.

The past few years the church I go to, Eden Community, has been involved in a movement called the Advent Conspiracy.

It is a movement that calls us to look at this time of year differently

It calls us to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All.

It looks different for each individual and family.

But no matter what it is calling us to be mindful of our actions and activity during this time of the year.

Maybe spend less on buying gifts for those around you and spend time making them something, or spend time with them.

Maybe give your time or money to a charity that you feel passionate about.

No matter what it is you do, I pray that you would allow for the time to let God change your heart this season.

To change the way you view the month leading to Christmas.

To slow down and spend time with God and with family and loved ones.

To let those around you know how much you care and love them.

Spend time in God’s Word and let Him change your heart, mind, and spirit.