Have you ever longed with anticipation to experience a moment that could change reality forever? I imagine this is what God’s people felt as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah. The good news is Jesus has come, as promised, to redeem the world. This is what the advent season is all about. Advent is the season leading into Christmas that Christians set aside to prepare their hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth, while anticipating His return. It is a time of personal reflection and communal worship centered around faith, peace, hope, and love. As we look forward to Christmas, let us consider faith, peace, hope, and love as virtues to reflect on as we seek to cultivate deeper appreciation for the birth of Christ and live in anticipation of His return.
HOPE
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
According to Scripture, hope is the confident expectation and trust in God’s promises and faithfulness, rooted in the assurance He is who He says He is, and will bring about good and fulfillment both now and in the future. During Advent, we have the unique opportunity to anchor our hope in the promises God has already fulfilled through the birth of Jesus, while simultaneously looking forward to the promises He will fulfill when He returns. By focusing on the significance of Advent, we can deepen our faith and strengthen our resolve to live out our faith.
PEACE
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
The peace of God can be described as a deep unwavering sense of assurance that comes through having a genuine relationship with the Lord. This relationship was made possible through the coming of Christ and His work on the cross. The advent season is a reminder that Jesus’ birth brings peace to all who repent and trust in Him for reconciliation and freedom from sin. As a result of this peace, we as believers can live for a future where peace between God, humanity, and all of creation will be everlasting.
JOY
“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.’” – Luke 2:10- 11
Biblical joy is the deep and abiding sense of contentment that is rooted in relationship with God and the assurance of His presence and promises, regardless of external circumstances. Advent is the perfect occasion to celebrate the joyful reality that God’s presence and promises are fully revealed in the person of Jesus through His arrival, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus truly is the reason for the season because He is the center of our joy. It is this truth that gives us the necessary contentment to await His return.
LOVE
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10
Our God is a God of love. The ultimate expression of His love was revealed when Jesus wrapped Himself in human flesh to walk among us, share in our struggles, and offer us salvation. Advent is a time of year where we pause to reflect on this love, reminding ourselves we called to love in response to the love we have received. This is the heart of the Christian life, loving God with our full selves and loving others.
CELEBRATE & REFLECT
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11- 12
Advent is more than just a lead up to Christmas. Advent is an annual invitation to pause and reflect on the profound gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. By celebrating and reflecting on Christ’s birth and looking forward to His return, we are able to reconnect with hope now and eternally, experience the peace of God, embrace true joy, and embody God’s love. As you prepare to decorate your home, wrap gifts and spend time with loved ones, remember to set aside a few moments each day to reflect and meditate on these virtues. Express them to God and others and allow them to guide you this holiday season. May they guide you through this holiday season and beyond.

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