Here we are in our first week of Advent and you may already feel the rush of Christmas. Advent challenges everything in us to slow down, when the world is saying speed up. As we reflect on the Great Gathering of God’s people, we anxiously await the baby Jesus. We must slow down.
If you remember last week, I shared my list of things to intentionally prepare for Jesus’ coming. If you missed it, Click Here.
Today, we will continue to slow down and prepare for Jesus. Let’s reflect on one of my favorite Christmas carols. This blog is a little different. I hope you will participate, as God draws us in through song.
First, listen to the carol below. Reflect on the lyrics of the song. Then answer the questions.
(If you cannot see the YouTube video, open this message from your browser.)
As you listen, ask yourself the following questions. Journal your answers as you feel lead.
- How long have you been waiting for Jesus?
- When was the last time you felt really free?
- What would it take to feel that freedom?
- What are you most afraid of?
- Can you release that fear to God today?
- What sin keeps you bound up, hidden or ashamed?
- Could you ask God to release you from that sin?
- When was the last time you rested?
- What could you do to rest in Jesus?
Read – Reflect – Write
Reflect on the lyrics of “Come Thou Long Expectant Jesus.” Notice what words jump out at you. Jot them down. I have emphasized, below in italics, what spoke to me.
As we light the first candle of hope…
As a church-goer, you may be familiar with the Advent wreath. Around this time of year, we gather around the wreath, read some scripture and light the candles. There are four candles but only one is lit today. The four candles represent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love, also the virtues of Jesus.
This week, as we light the first candle, we are reminded of the hope of Christ. There is an expectancy as we anticipate the birth of Jesus and the coming Messiah. However, John 1:1-5 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The candles represent the light of all mankind. Jesus is our hope and He is our light. As you move through this week, hang onto the hope of Christ, knowing as you receive Christ into your heart, you become the light of the world.
Let us pray,
God of Hope, ignite in us the light of your love. May we illuminate the world around us offering hope to the hopeless. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you thought of today’s reflection. What stood out to you? Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Share of Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, reflect on hope. -M
One thought on “The Great Gathering: Advent week 1”
Jesus is our Hope and He is our Light. Amen