We are in full on Christmas mode, aren’t we? Traffic is worse than normal. Stores are more crowded. Children are making wish lists. People appear to be completely hurried. Anxiety about what to buy for loved ones and how much to spend on them is running high. We all know how commercialized Christmas has become and yet every year, we fall into the same trap. We worry and hustle and run around frantic.
This year, I decided to do an Advent study. I used to do Advent related things when I was younger growing up in the Catholic church. Once I became older, I drifted away from truly reflecting on this season. I wanted this year to be different. This whole year has flown by in very much a blur. The world has dealt with all manner of trauma, from natural disaster to deaths to every sort of tension. This year, my life has experienced extreme highs that were often overshadowed by extreme lows.
My soul has been crying out for rest and peace and a slower pace. I’m sure that you’ve probably been feeling this as well. My life is busy and the holidays seem to bring out the extra busy. But, I am choosing intentionality in my schedule and in my focus.
The term Advent is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming.” It is a reminder of Christ’s first coming as well as a reminder of His second coming. Wrapped up in all of this is this process of waiting and expectation and hope. I don’t know about you, but when I look back on the hard of this year and the craziness in the world around me, I can feel a bit hopeless.
But God. Over 2,000 years ago, He sent hope wrapped in human flesh, swaddled in a manger.
I have been re-discovering the beautiful and tangible reminder of what Christ’s birth really meant for us within the candles used during Advent:
Hope with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming.
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
There were prophecies upon prophecies followed by 400 years of silence. Everyone had something in mind when they thought about the coming Messiah. They thought He would come in power as a military king. Only, He did come in power. It just wasn’t the type of power anyone expected. He came with a quiet strength and a sole focus to be about the Father’s business. He came with the purpose of saving humanity from our sins.
Faith with the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Where would we be if not for Mary’s deep faith and her and Joseph’s obedience? They trusted and obeyed God without fully understanding. God works in the realm of mystery. He wants us to trust that He knows what is best and what will bring Him glory. He wants hearts fully surrendered to Him even with just a mustard seed of faith.
Joy with the “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of the joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ ” (Luke 2:10)
He is JOY . . . at His birth and even at His death He was a joy because His death led to the resurrection that leads to eternal life. Each and every part of His life speaks of unending joy. There is joy in every promise His life and death holds.
Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the angel’s message of peace.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
The Prince of Peace, God with us. He came and dwelt among us. When He left, He left His Spirit to dwell within us. When He returns, we will be caught up in the air to dwell forevermore with Him. The enemy loves for us to focus on the chaos around us. He knows that will only bring chaos to our souls. With eyes and hearts fixed on Christ, our souls find true Shalom. The peace that He gives cannot be shaken or taken away.
The world may forget the only reason for the season, but I refuse to give into the holiday rush.
Instead, I will lean into
waiting
and wonder
and longing
and mystery.
The King of Glory is calling us to remembrance through Advent. And hope, faith, joy, and peace await us there.
Are you finding it difficult to avoid the holiday rush? How do you observe this glorious season of Advent?
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Our family lights the candles and gathers around truth to keep our hearts centered on the reality of God with us. We sing the old carols and the new crazy songs about hippos and donkeys — and we make fudge and Chex party mix. And I like to think that the celebration of Jesus is wrapped up in all of it because God is the giver of all good gifts.
Thank you for this review of the significance (the prophet’s, Bethlehem, shepherd’s, and angel’s) of the candles and the amazing hope, faith, joy, and peace that come to us along with our embrace of the much-loved story.
Karina Allen says
Totally my pleasure Michele! I wanna come to your house! Your gatherings sound lovely!
Marianne says
Thank you for a quiet moment of Advent. Celebrate the true message of the Season.
Look Up…….
Karina Allen says
Amen Marianne! Thank you for sharing!
Diana says
Beautiful, Karina. And perfect timing as I’m caught in the middle of Advent, not doing the things I promised myself (and God) that I would. Like a switch, your words brought me back.
Thank you! Blessings to you!
Karina Allen says
I love that Diana! His timing is SO perfect and His reminders are always gentle. 🙂
Diane says
What a beautiful and gentle reminder of what the advent season SHOULD be. Thankful for my faith but I too get literally wrapped up in hustle and bustle instead of focusing on the Baby Jesus who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and is the only true source of peace.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Karina,
For two years I read Ann Voskamp’s Advent Devotional “The Greatest Gift” and put the beautiful paper ornaments on my Jesse tree. It was my time each day that I put aside what ever “tyranny of the urgent” matter was at hand and stilled myself to read the devotion and hang the ornament on my little lighted tree. It was just me and God time. My husband saw me enjoying it so much that for the past two years we’ve been reading each morning together and hanging the ornament on the tree together. It’s our way of starting the day focusing on His coming. Even though I’ve read it four years now, there is always something new that speaks to me through the scripture or Ann’s writing. Wishing you joy, peace, and unhurried time with your Savior, Karina,
Blessings,
Bev xx
Karina Allen says
That is beautiful Bev! May God bless y’alls time together focusing on Him.
I receive ALL the joy, peace and unhurried time with Jesus!!!
Penny says
Karina,
Beautifully said, thank-you so much for your piece of writing this morning.
Blessings and Merry Christmas to all,
Penny
Karina Allen says
Thank you Penny! And Merry Christmas to you as well!!!!
Pearl Allard says
Karina, I love that you’re doing an advent study! And thank you for sharing from that study to center us in the craziness that tempts us to forget what we’re celebrating! This Christmas looks a little different for me. Less doing and more being in the Word. Not sure what that looks like to others (saying no to stuff always makes me nervous about creating rifts), but my insides have really soaked up the much-needed time with Jesus.
Pearl Allard says
(Just reread that. Meant to say, center us IN THE MIDST of the craziness…)
Karina Allen says
I love that Pearl! Know that God is well pleased with you and your decision to put Him above doing and activities. He will honor your choices and keep your relationships in peace. Maybe He wants you to set an example to those around you on how to focus on the real meaning of Christmas through simplifying and doing less.
Rebecca L Jones says
I really enjoyed reading about the candles.
Karina Allen says
Thank you Rebecca! I knew all about the candles, wreaths, etc… when I was younger. I am glad I revisited their meanings. 🙂
Beth Williams says
Karina,
Praying for you in your stressful season/year. May God bring rest & peace to your soul soon. This year has gone by way to fast for me also. It seems like a whirlwind with all the noise & chaos going on. I want shalom & Sabbath rest. Time alone with God to center myself & my soul. Thank you for sharing parts of your devotional. I believe that is what I dislike most about Christmas-the commercialization of it all. No one seems to know or care what this day is all about. We say Happy Holidays-it should be Merry Christmas!! My hubby & I watch Charlie Brown Christmas each year. It never gets old. Have a blessed Christmas!!
Blessings :))
Karina Allen says
Beth! Thank you for sharing! I love Charlie Brown! I receive all the prayers!