What is Advent Waiting?

How much time do you spend waiting each day? Have you ever kept a record of waiting? Probably not! Waiting is not easy for humans—we want to get things done and move on right now. 

If you’re like most people, you hate to wait. Think of standing in line at the airport. You’re getting ready to go through security, where it’s necessary to remove your shoes, belt, take out your electronic devices, wondering if you’ll get through without an issue! The entire process seems to take forever, though it usually takes minutes—it still feels like you’re wasting time! 

Waiting can seem like a form of torture. Yet, waiting on God is a crucial part of the Christian experience. This includes the waiting time we enter during the season of Advent. 

If you’re not sure what Advent’s all about, check out this post from last year. It explains what this season is, how it’s practiced, and more. Today’s post deals with waiting during this season. What is Advent waiting, and what’s it all about? 

Why Does God Make Us Wait? 

God has made waiting a “thing” since ancient times. You can find many instances of waiting in the Bible, including when Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) waited for a son (Genesis 11-25). Moses had to wait for the right moment to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 2-3). Ruth left her own country to follow her mother-in-law to a place, where she had to wait for a husband (the Book of Ruth). David waited to become king (I Samuel). These are only a few of the many examples of waiting in the Bible. 

In these examples, we see a pattern: God uses the time of waiting to prepare each person for the work He’s called them to do. Waiting is often a time of training, growth, and deepening faith. It’s not a passive, idle period. Instead, this is an active time, when God tests, teaches, and humbles His people, equipping them for what lies ahead. 

Christians experience seasons of waiting all through their lives. These periods are opportunities to build trust and faith in God and His promises, knowing that His timing is always perfect.  

Advent Waiting is an Active Time

During Advent, we wait for the birth of the Messiah, our Lord, Jesus Christ, and for the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. Advent is celebrated for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. It’s a time of hopeful longing and waiting with expectation. We wait with eager anticipation for God’s promise to be fulfilled in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

During the Advent season, we wait with longing expectation for celebrating God’s love for us. He sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins and to fix our broken relationship with Him. This time of waiting isn’t an empty time. Instead, it’s a time of watchful expectation—a time of hope that God’s promise is fulfilled.  

But what exactly does it mean to wait during Advent? 

Advent is a season of watchful expectation. It’s not a passive waiting, but an active time of reflecting on the significance of God’s love for us manifested in the birth of His Son. This waiting isn’t empty or meaningless—it’s filled with purpose.  We wait with hope, looking forward to Jesus bringing His light to a dark world. 

Advent Practices That Ease Waiting & Prepare Us 

As I mentioned earlier, we humans like to do something—keep moving forward—we hate waiting with nothing to do! But in His wisdom, God has provided ways for us to use waiting times for growth, reflection, and spiritual preparation.  

Here are a few practices that can help us make the most of this season of waiting and expectation: 

Prayer: Advent is the perfect time to spend focused time in prayer. Reflect and meditate on the promises of Christ and the significance of His birth. You can use Advent prayers, or create your own, and remember that prayer is a two-way conversation—listen to God as well as speak to Him.  

Advent journal: an Advent journal can be a powerful tool for deepening your spiritual journey. It encourages you to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Advent. Journaling helps you internalize the significance of this season, offering space for personal insights and growth. 

Read scriptures: Advent is also a wonderful time to read and reflect on the prophecies of Isaiah about the coming of Christ. Reading and studying the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth and meditating on their meaning is also helpful. 

Advent wreath: using an Advent wreath during this time is also meaningful. It’s an outward focus on what’s happening as we prepare during the season of Advent. The wreath and candles visually and spiritually mark the days leading up to Christmas. Light a candle on each Sunday in Advent and read specific scriptures in preparation of Christmas. 

Attend church: many churches have special Advent services that focus on preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ. Being with other believers during this time can encourage and strengthen your own faith journey. 

Deepen Your Advent Journey with From Darkness into Light Journal

One of the most powerful tools you can use to reflect and prepare your heart is a dedicated Advent journal. This year, consider using the From Darkness into Light Advent Journal to guide your daily reflections and spiritual growth during this special time. 

The journal is designed to help you slow down and focus on the true meaning of the season. With its 139 pages, it offers a day-by-day journey from the first Sunday in Advent through to December 31st. You’ll find Scripture readings, reflection questions, prayer request pages, and more. Each day’s entry provides: 

Scripture Readings: throughtfully chosen passages to center your heart on the significance of Christ’s coming bringing light into a dark world. 

Reflection Questions: prompts to help you engage deeply with the Scripture and its application to your life. 

Prayer requests: a space to write down your personal prayers and reflections, bringing you closer to God in conversation. 

Extra note pages: lined and dot-grid pages where you can jot down insights, creative thoughts, or whatever is on your heart. 

The journal also includes a reflection section at the end of the month, offering five thoughtful questions to help you reflect on your Advent journey. You can buy your copy of From Darkness into Light at my Gumroad shop! 

Gumroad is an online sales platform that allows creatives to sell copies of their digital products. It’s safe to use this platform, and it makes it easy for you to receive your copy of the journal! After you pay, you’ll receive a link to download your printable/digital Advent journal! 

I also offer other materials, such as Bible studies and more on Gumroad! 

Concluding Thoughts

Advent waiting is not passive. It’s an active, intentional waiting that fosters spiritual growth and draws us nearer to the heart of God. 

The goal of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. While waiting can often be uncomfortable, the practices of prayer, journaling, scripture reading, and worship help us make the most of this season. 

By actively engaging in these practices, we can grow closer to God and more deeply understand the true meaning of Christmas—the light of Christ entering the world. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

God Loves to Use the Insignificant

During Advent, the scriptures tell us of Christ’s birth. The details are unique and filled with miracles. But have you ever noticed how the scriptures point to God using the insignificant? In the Old and New Testaments, you can find instances where God uses those people or things despised by the world.

But why does God choose the insignificant? 

Old Testament Examples 

Micah Prophesied the Birth of Christ in a Small Village

Micah was a prophet who lived about 700 years before Christ; he was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. He lived during a time of great upheaval, turmoil, and uncertainty. It was a time similar to our times. 

God chose to give Micah prophesies of the Messiah. Israel was suffering from a string of unfaithful and evil kings, while the people also became unfaithful, with some turning to worship idols. Those who were faithful wondered if God still kept His covenant with Israel. 

So, He let His people know He was still their God and cared for them. Our Lord gave Micah some amazing prophecies; some were doom and gloom, while others were some of the most beautiful predictions of the coming Messiah, God’s Son. 

In Micah 5:2 NKJV, we read: 

But out of you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

God’s message was that yes, He still loved His people, Israel, and that He had a plan for them. That plan included the other people of the Earth, too, the Gentiles. While some of Micah’s prophesies were pretty scary, God promised that out of His people, the Messiah of the world would be born, and He would be born in a pretty insignificant place called Bethlehem. 

Through the ages, Bethlehem was a sleepy, small village on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The town sat in the midst of an agricultural area where shepherds kept their flocks, and crops were grown. Bethlehem was an insignificant place. But the village has a fascinating history. 

Some History of Insignificant Bethlehem

Rachel 

Unless you’ve studied the Bible somewhat, you may not realize that Bethlehem was an important part of Jesus’ lineage. Head over to Genesis 35:16-19. There, you’ll find the story of Rachel and how she gave birth to Benjamin (brother of Jospeh). 

Rachel was the wife of Jacob, and for years, she was barren. She was tormented by the failure to produce children for her husband. But God heard her prayers and gave her two sons. Unfortunately, Rachel had a hard labor and died giving birth to Benjamin. 

Jacob buried his wife near Ephrath (Bethlehem), where you can still visit Rachel’s tomb today. 

Naomi & Ruth

Next, you can read the story of Naomi and Ruth in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Naomi and her family had originally lived in Bethlehem, but they had to move when a time of intense famine came upon the land. So, they moved to Moab and stayed there many years. Over time, however, Naomi’s husband and two sons died. She was left with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. 

At first, both Orpah and Ruth were determined to follow Naomi back to her homeland to care for her. Naomi tried to discourage them both. All three had started on the road to Bethlehem, but ultimately, Orpah decided to return to her family’s home. So, that left Naomi and Ruth to travel on together. Ruth was determined to travel with her mother-in-law. 

Ruth ended up marrying one of Naomi’s family members, a prosperous man named Boaz. They settled in Bethlehem and had a family. Later, our Savior, Jesus Christ, would be born from this family line, including King David. 

King David

Did you know that King David was from Bethlehem? You can read about his story in 1 Samuel Chapter 1, where the prophet Samuel travels to the village to anoint David as the king of Israel. Even here, God chose the insignificant shepherd boy and anointed him as king. This was David. He was a young man, the youngest son of Jesse. The scriptures say he was a handsome boy with a pleasing appearance, but he was only a young shepherd at the time. How could a shepherd boy become king, especially one from an insignificant place like Bethlehem? 

All of these examples involved Jesus' lineage and family history. There's much more to it than this, but can you see how God used the insignificant throughout to accomplish His will and fulfill His promise? 

New Testament Examples: Mary & Joseph 

Now, consider Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus. She was descended from the line of King David, but her family was relatively poor. Yet, God chose her to be the mother of our Lord. Why? Because Mary was humble and loved God. She was a little taken by the angel’s message in the beginning, but when he finished, Mary gave her permission to do God’s will and carry the precious Messiah. 

Consider that Mary was not even married at the time. She was betrothed to Joseph, who was a carpenter. Joseph was also a descendant of King David, but he was also not rich. God sent an angel to Joseph, too. In a dream, the angel came to Joseph and explained the situation. The angel said that Mary carried life that was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He also told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son and that His name should be Jesus. So, Joseph obeyed and took Mary as His wife before she gave birth. 

These two people may have seemed insignificant to others; however, in God’s eyes, Mary and Joseph were dedicated to Him and His will. They were humble and obedient to God. Here, again, our Lord took two people who appeared to be inconsequential and found them obedient to His plan for the Messiah. 

You can read their story in Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2. 

Bethlehem: Birth of the Messiah 

Finally, Bethlehem where Jesus, the Messiah, was born, as foretold in Micah. In Luke 2:1 NKJV, we read: 

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

Joseph and Mary, descendants of King David, had to return to their ancestral home to be registered for the census. They traveled to Bethlehem, and while they were there, Mary gave birth to Jesus. But there’s more. 

Bethlehem was pretty crowded at that time, so crowded that Joseph couldn’t find an inn where he and Mary could stay. Mary was ready to give birth. Can you imagine how frustrating and scared she and Joseph must have felt? The only place where they could have some privacy was in a stable. Mary gave birth to the King of Kings in a stable. Again, God chooses an insignificant place for His son to be born. But that’s not all. 

The only cradle Mary had for her baby was the animals’ feed trough, the manger. She lovingly wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger. Christ wasn’t born in a palace or laid in a golden cradle with the finest silk bedding. Jesus, our Savior, was born in a stable and slept in a manger. Notice, again, that God used the miniscule for His Son. 

Consider that the little town of Bethlehem also waited many centuries before Jesus' birth. But God gave His promise the Messiah, our Savior, would be born in that sleepy little village. The magi knew of Micah's prediction, as did the Israelite priests and scribes. Think of how many people waited for the Savior's birth over those centuries, yet they trusted that God would fulfill His promise. 

Why Does God Choose the Insignificant? 

The Apostle Paul speaks of God using the insignificant in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, where he says, 

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put shame to the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…”

We’ve looked at several examples in this post where God has chosen those people and places that appeared unimportant and insignificant to the rest of the world. The point is that no one is insignificant to God. He looks for those who are humble and want to do His will. 

God also works in our weakness. We may feel helpless and incapable of following God’s will. But when we turn to Him and depend on our Lord, He can use us and give us the strength and the means to work with and for Him. 

It’s Never Too Late

Are you older and wondering if God can still use you? It’s never too late. Remember that Abraham and Sarah were in their elder years when they had Isaac. The Bible says Noah built the ark when he was 500 years old! Moses was over 80 when God called him to save the Israelites in Egypt. So, it’s never too late to respond to God’s call. 

The point is that God can use each of us if we are humble and obedient to Him. God doesn’t want to use our earthly greatness. He doesn’t want us to rely on our own strength. Instead, our Heavenly Father wants us to depend on Him fully and completely, just as Jesus entirely depended on God to fulfill His ministry. 

Concluding Thoughts

During Advent, ponder how God uses the insignificant. If you’re feeling inconsequential, remember that you’re someone precious in the sight of our Father, and no one is ever insignificant to Him. He loves you with an everlasting love. 

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc. head over to our Resources page! 

Advent and the Light of Christ: Illuminating the World with Hope

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, a timeless celebration emerges to bring warmth and light to the darkness of the season. Winter is considered a time of death, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a time of rest when darkness brings healing and rejuvenation to the world around us. 

Winter does bring shorter days and more darkness. But what about the darkness we face in our own lives? In recent years, we’ve dealt with the pandemic, cultural wars, political upheaval, and turmoil in most areas of our lives. These times can feel like a period of darkness stretching past winter and into summer, casting deep shadows on our spirits. How can we face the darkness in our lives? 

Thankfully, God sent Christ to bring light and healing to the world and our lives. This is why, as Christians, we celebrate Advent and Christmas. 

What is Advent? 

Advent, a season observed by Christians worldwide, marks the beginning of the liturgical year and symbolizes the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Amid the cold and gloom, Advent serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of hope, love, joy, and peace, all embodied in the message of Christ bringing light to the world.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is a period that lasts four weeks in the lead-up to Christmas. The season begins on the Sunday near St. Andrew’s Day (Andrew the apostle) on November 30th. Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation of God’s gift to the world—His Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Day, December 25th each year. 

The history of Advent goes back to the early centuries of Christianity. The first mentions of this practice can be found in the 4th century. Each community of Christians had their own practices and the length of the period varied. Some observed this time with fasting and repentance, while others focused on the joyous anticipation of Christ’s birth. 

This year, Advent started on December 3rd (yesterday, as I write this post) and will last for the next three Sundays, up to Christmas. 

How is Advent Practiced Today? 

Today, Advent is practiced in different ways by Christians around the world, with specific traditions and customs varying between denominations and regional cultures. However, there are some common elements used to celebrate Advent, including: 

Advent wreath: the Advent wreath is usually circular and made with evergreen branches. The wreath typically holds four candles (three purple and one blue or pink). Each candle is a different symbol: hope, love, and joy. The pink candle represents peace and the birth of Christ. The candles are lit on each Sunday of Advent, with the Christ candle lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 

Candle lighting & scripture readings: as the candles are lit each Sunday before Christmas, scriptures are read that focus on the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. The readings can include scriptures from the Old and New Testaments (including the Gospels). 

Liturgical colors and decorations: many churches use specific liturgical colors during Advent, such as purple or blue, to anticipate Christ’s birth and for repentance. They may also use additional decorations, such as banners, to visually represent the season. 

Prayer & reflection: Advent is also a time of spiritual reflection and prayer. Individuals and families may practice daily or weekly Advent devotionals, prayer services, or attend special church services. These reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth and preparing one’s heart to celebrate Christmas. 

Other practices may include community celebrations, the use of nativity scenes and displays, special music and hymns, Advent calendars, fasting & repentance, and acts of kindness and charity. 

While practices can vary, the central theme of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to reflect on the hope, love, joy, and peace that His coming brings to the world. 

Advent as a Journey of Anticipation

The four weeks of Advent provide a structured journey of anticipation, mirroring the centuries of waiting for the promised Messiah. As individuals and communities engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness, they actively participate in the preparation for the arrival of Christ. 

This period of waiting becomes a transformative process, fostering a sense of mindfulness and spiritual readiness.

The Symbolism of Light: The Light of the World

Light has been a powerful symbol across cultures and religions, representing enlightenment, guidance, and divine presence. In the context of Advent, the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath holds deep significance. Each candle represents a different aspect of the season—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace—culminating in the central Christ candle lit on Christmas Day, signifying the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.

The title "Light of the World" is a significant and symbolic designation for Jesus Christ, rooted in various biblical passages that emphasize the spiritual illumination and guidance He brings to humanity. Here are some key reasons why Christ is referred to as the Light of the World:

• John 8:12

• John 9:5

• Isaiah 9:2

• Luke 1:78-79

• 2 Corinthians 4:6

• John 1:4-5

Christ is the Light of the world; his role is to repair our relationship with God and bring us back into relationship with our Father. Jesus reveals God’s truth, dispels darkness, and brings salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Him. Christ has a profound impact on the life of believers, and He transforms our dark work with His divine illumination. 

The Role of Individuals and Communities

As the candles on the Advent wreath are progressively lit, individuals and communities are encouraged to consider how they can bring light into the lives of those around them. 

Acts of generosity, expressions of love, and gestures of kindness become powerful ways to illuminate the darkness, echoing the transformative impact of Christ's birth on the world.

Conclusion

Advent stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ has the power to overcome. As we journey through this season of anticipation, may we be inspired to carry the light of love, joy, and peace into the world, becoming beacons of hope for those in need. In doing so, we continue the timeless tradition of celebrating the birth of Christ, the Light of the World, and carry forward the message of salvation for all.

I’ve created a simple Advent journal you can use in preparation for Christmas. You’ll find readings for each day, including the Sundays running up to Advent. I apologize for this coming late--we're already in the second week of Advent (I've been sick). You can still go back, do the readings, and write your reflections, starting with the first day of Advent to where we are now. You can access the journal on Google Docs for free. The digital Advent Journal 2023 can be used with GoodNotes or Xodo. The journal is free for personal use only and has been copyrighted. Follow this link to find the journal and a page with instructions! 

With the Advent journal, you'll also receive information on how to use it. It's a straightforward process--you read the scriptures, pray, and write down your reflections. This is not a guided journal. 

My wish for each of you is that the Advent season will bring increasing Light into your lives and that you will be a light to your part of the world, wherever that may be. I keep each of you in my prayers, too. 

God bless, and may you experience the Light and Love He offers,