With our kids scattered in other countries and states until the week of Christmas, I put together our annual advent readings this year with written commentary. Acacia had asked if I could do this for some of her fellow staff at the school in Albania. Her request was the catalyst for me presenting our readings in this form this year. Usually I simply put the scripture references on small pieces of paper and put them in our 15-year-old Advent calendar we used all through our years in Uganda. Then, as we daily read them together I comment on the highlights of the passages. Advent starts Sunday, November 27, this year, so I have readings for each day from November 27-December 25. My prayer is that this presentation of the story of Jesus blesses each one of you. May His hope, faith, joy, and peace fill you as you enjoy this season!!!
ADVENT
Remember, Reflect, Anticipate, Praise
Some years ago when our kids were still young, Geoff developed a way for us to honor the Sabbath each week. As a family, we considered Saturday evening to Sunday evening our Sabbath. So, on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. everyone was to be back at the house from wherever they'd been so that we could share the evening meal together and talk around the table. Each one of us, young and old(er) :), was to mentally review the events of the previous week and choose a time in which God was seen moving in their life. Once an instance was chosen we then reflected on how we saw God move, why it impacted us, and shared any other details of how God had blessed us. After each one of us shared, Geoff then encouraged us to keep an attitude of gratitude and anticipation as we looked to Sunday morning where we would have the opportunity to corporately praise Him with the church, and then enter the following week with our eyes open to see Him further move on our behalf. There were times when we had visitors at our table on a Saturday evening and we drew them into our time of contemplation and sharing.
My hope is that as we enter this Advent season we would keep such an attitude and share it with others. In exploring the prophecies clearly presented in the Old Testament scriptures may we remember what was foretold, reflect on how the Old and New Testaments together bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ as our once for all Savior and LORD, not only read of His activity on this earth, but anticipate His movement in our lives today and be drawn to praise of His goodness to us.
Traditionally, the themes of each progressive week of Advent are hope, faith, joy, and peace.
Christ Jesus's life, and all the details thereof, were planned by Father God well in advance of their actuation. That we find them recorded hundreds of years before their manifestation attests to both the love of our Father and His excitement over providing a permanent way for us to be reconciled to Him–something He longed for since Eden. He knew what was to happen and wanted all to know, so He revealed His plan through the many prophecies. The power of the prophecies is found in their fulfillment given the low probability of realization. Consider numerous authors, writing in varied eras, all pointing to the eternal impact of the ultimate combining of justice and love, and one man embodying every foretold word. The odds? Well, let's just say it takes misguided faith and a stubborn heart to NOT believe the truth of Jesus Christ's birth, death, and resurrection which offer true salvation for all who believe. May we set ourselves to hope, faith, joy, and peace as we remember, reflect, anticipate, and praise our Holy God.
Week One
Remember
When Jesus came to all the people of the earth He had created with His Father and His Spirit, some recognized Him as the one foretold in the Holy writings.The words recorded about a coming Messiah were not only well known among the Jewish people, but by leaders and sages in the surrounding regions. For those who witnessed the time period shortly after His birth, and the events comprising His ministry in the following years, I have no doubt their minds remembered words which promised a Messiah. I believe that all who felt that jump of recognition in their hearts had a choice. They could either believe and experience the revealing of a Savior right before their eyes, or close off their hearts and rebel against the loving hand of God. I believe some hearts must have responded in hope as they affirmatively pondered, "Is he the long-awaited Messiah? Is the fulfillment of all Messianic prophecies standing among us in this man?" As we read key prophetic passages in the Old Testament in the next few days, may we put ourselves, as best we can, in the position of those who experienced prophecies fulfilled right before their eyes. Will we respond in hope, gratitude, humility and surrender? Traditionally, the Advent themes begin with hope. God knows that remembering the things He has done and the promises He has made gives us hope. May our look into the prophecies this week stir hope in us at the magnificence of God's weaving of events over hundreds of years culminating in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son.
Let us remember.
Sunday, November 27
Isaiah 9:1-7 This prophecy mentions a great light that will dawn on those in darkness. A child will be born and through Him we have hope for peace. Through Christ, the LORD's government will never end, having come from the throne of David.
Matthew 4:12-17 This passage confirms that Jesus is the great light.
Luke 3:23-31 This is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 9:7 of Jesus coming from the line of David.
Monday, November 28
Isaiah 60:1-7 The light and glory of the LORD shines, and nations, kings, sons and daughters will come. Caravans will bring gold and frankincense, (Matthew 2:1,11), and the LORD will glorify His beautiful house.
John 1:9-13; John 8:12; John 12:46 Jesus speaks of being the light of the world and those who believe in and follow Him will never walk in the darkness.
Tuesday, November 29
Jesus's lineage is through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Genesis 12:1-4 Abraham; Genesis 17:19 Isaac; Genesis 28:10-15 Jacob
Matthew 1:1-16 Jesus's genealogy confirms the above prophecies.
Establishing Jesus's lineage may seem dry or even trivial to us who are from a culture very different from the Jewish culture, but realizing His lineage actually speaks of authority and sovereign blessing not only to the Jews, but to any who believe in God's ultimate provision of salvation to mankind.
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Wednesday, November 30
David's revelation that his offspring will have an eternal kingdom because of God's promise.
2 Samuel 7:18-29 Verse 19 states that David's revelation is also for us. We are blessed forever.
Thursday, December 1
Genesis 49:10 Again, confirming Jesus's lineage. These particular verses speak regarding Judah. The scepter indicates the authority and sovereignty of Christ's royal rule.
Luke 3:33 Jesus comes from the line of Judah. In seeing the prophecy and confirmation, will you confirm that He is the One who sovereignly rules your life?
Friday December 2
Isaiah 59:16-21 God laments there is none to exercise redemption for the sinful. A needed redeemer from Zion is prophesied.
Romans 6:22-23 The wages of sin is death, but God provides eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 11:26-27 The one who liberates will come from Zion.
How are you walking in the liberation and freedom from sin offered to you?
Saturday, December 3
Isaiah 28:16-17 Prophecy of a cornerstone that will annihilate injustice, evil, falseness, and hiding, but will preserve the believer.
Romans 9:33 Jesus as the stone in Zion. The believer will not be shamed.
1 Peter 2:4-10 Confirmation that the stone would not be an actual rock, but a person, and as John proclaimed, the person of Jesus. Have you believed that Jesus is your rock and as a believer are you standing in Jesus, preserved and unashamed?
Week Two
Reflect
In the traditional order of the Sundays of Advent the second week calls us to faith as we reflect on the faith-filled actions of Joseph, Mary, and others in the story of the birth of Jesus. They gave their entire selves to what God said would happen. Think of Mary and how unbelievable the events would have seemed to those around her. Still, she and Joseph walked forward in full acceptance of what God had revealed to them. Their faith blessed all of mankind. Many do not have faith to believe and do not walk forward in the power of God as they did. Does your faith move you forward in the power of God?
Let us reflect.
Sunday, December 4
Micah 5:2 The Christ will be born in Bethlehem and will rule. This also speaks to His eternal nature. He is forever.
Matthew 2:4-6 That Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and rule God's people is confirmed by the esteemed spiritual authorities of the Jewish Law.
Do you follow Him as He leads?
Monday, December 5
Isaiah 40:28-31 It is quite possible that these words of encouragement were instilled in the hearts of both Joseph and Mary, both having been raised to revere and obey God. I imagine they drew upon these truths as they found themselves asked to obey God in ways that would most likely not be understood or well-received by those around them.
Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph initially decided according to traditional Jewish wisdom what to do with the news of Mary's premarital pregnancy. But, once God informed him in a dream of the nature of the pregnancy, he moved forward in faith.
How did you respond the most recent time God asked you to trust Him and act on a difficult or uncomfortable directive?
Tuesday, December 6
Isaiah 7:14 These are the very words the angel spoke to Joseph from yesterday's reading in Matthew. The angel directed him back to the prophecy as confirmation that God was behind this very strange turn of events in his relationship with Mary. Again, he most likely also reflected and drew strength from other Old Testament words such as yesterday's passage in Isaiah 40 as he chose to act in faith.
Luke 1:26-38 Mary had a choice, she could respond in faith or in disbelief. She chose to walk forward in the real hope of God's strength after the angel brought her the news of what was to happen to her. Again, the words of Isaiah 40 may have been a part of the strength from which she drew.
God offers us strength to believe. Will you move forward in belief, which requires action?
Wednesday, December 7
Luke 1:5-25 Before Mary was visited by Gabriel, Zechariah was visited as he served in the temple by an angel informing him of the coming conception of his son, John, the forerunner who would announce Jesus. Zechariah's response initially was not one of faith. I'm sure all of us can think of instances in which we reacted to God's activity in our life with a response characteristic of Zechariah's.
Thursday, December 8
Isaiah 40:3-5 One would come before Jesus and prepare the way for his appearance, that all may see it.
Mark 1:1-8 John is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 40. We have hope of the promise of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
Luke 3:1-6 John's ministry. He not only was chosen to be the forerunner of Jesus, but when the word came to him in the wilderness that this was the time to act, he responded immediately and went into Jordan telling the people God's message.
What is the usual time frame for your responses to God?
Friday, December 9
Hosea 11:1 The Messiah will come out of Egypt. This would seem unlikely to the Jews; why would an Israelite be back in Egypt??
Matthew 2:13-15 Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt after being warned by God that Herod was out to kill the child. Truly God fulfills all the details of his foretelling with great accuracy and often not the way our limited minds might think fulfillment should come.
Saturday, December 10
Psalm 89:1-29 God Himself is faithful. In this Psalm He promises to establish David's throne through a chosen one for all generations. How does your heart respond to this recorded truth of God's power in His presence and promises?
Week Three
Anticipation
All of Advent is truly anticipation. The word itself from the Latin may be defined as "coming". When something GOOD is coming we look forward with anticipation to receiving it. The news of a Messiah, a Savior, a way to be reconciled to the Father, which is needed due to the fall of man in Eden, fills us with joyful anticipation. In traditional Advent themes, joy is the focus during week three. As we have recently read of the coming of John who would announce the Christ, and of the faithfulness of God, let us further read of the joy Jesus Christ brings.
Let us Anticipate.
Sunday, December 11
Luke 1:39-45 Elizabeth, 6 months pregnant with John, receives Mary, her relative, and both Elizabeth and John recognize Mary as the mother of the Christ. John, in the womb, jumps when he hears the voice of Mary. Elizabeth expresses amazement at God's work in Mary. There is true joy when one recognizes the presence of Christ Jesus, knowing that He is the only One to save them. Having read of prophecies and their fulfillment up to this point in our Advent readings, how does your heart respond to the presence of Jesus? He is here with you.
Monday, December 12
Luke 1:46-56 Mary responds in joy at the reception given her by Elizabeth and John, knowing that their joy stems from recognition of Jesus, the Son of God who grows inside of her. She is overwhelmed with joy and thanks and sings out in worship. Is there a song, a favorite of yours, that expresses some of the joy over the gift of Jesus Christ?
Tuesday, December 13
Isaiah 61 This chapter points to the coming Messiah as it begins with a passage on the work of the Messiah and ends with the statement that God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Throughout the chapter Isaiah speaks of God actively blessing the people, which ultimately is expressed in garments of salvation through the Messiah to those who are His.
What phrase in this chapter strongly impacts you?
Wednesday, December 14
Luke 4:17-21 Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah (chapter 61) and states He is its fulfillment and the One anointed to bring good news. Of what Jesus proclaimed, which do you feel in need of most today?
Mark 1:9-11 Jesus came to John to be baptized by him. A voice from Heaven spoke clearly for all present to hear that Jesus was the Son of God. Not only had they heard repeatedly in the temple the Rabbi speak of the prophecies of the Messiah, but now they heard God's own voice confirming Jesus as God's son while Jesus was standing before them.
Thursday, December 15
Isaiah 35 Joy and celebration for the hope we have in our Messiah, Christ Jesus.
This chapter is overflowing with powerful hope. Find a place in this chapter that deeply speaks to you in your present circumstance and give an outloud praise to God. In the HCSB version the chapter ends with, "Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee." I pray you will be overtaken with joy and gladness that flows from personal knowledge of the LORD's goodness.
Friday, December 16
Psalm 16 with special emphasis on verse 10, which prophesies that Christ will not decay. In Christ's presence is joy and pleasure.
John 20:13-17 Christ Jesus was resurrected on the third day and his physical body did not experience decay; likewise He is alive and with us.
Matthew 1:23 Immanuel, God with us.
Christ is literally our life.
Saturday, December 17
Psalm 130 This song "sings" of joyful anticipation at the coming redemption.
John 1:1-5 John begins his testimony of Jesus by stating He is the Word of God and the light that shines in the darkness.
Revelation 19:11-13 Jesus is the Word and He is faithful and true, and He judges and brings righteousness through His blood.
How does your heart respond today to these truths?
Week Four
Praise
The perfect response to the news of a needed Savior, to the coming of a long-awaited Messiah, is to praise God for His fulfillment of promises. Traditionally, the fourth week of Advent speaks of peace. The culmination of the good news of a Savior in Jesus Christ is the peace He brings through restoration of a right relationship with our God. We are lost, doomed, without the sacrifice of Jesus. His sacrifice began with him coming to earth, born of a virgin, then living as a man and experiencing all that we experience, and finally giving the ultimate on our behalf, His life on a cross to provide our righteousness in God's eyes. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies about the Messiah, the Christ. This being the final week before Christmas we will culminate our Advent focus by completely reading through the story of His birth and the happenings that surrounded the miraculous event. As we hear this story again, let us daily praise Him for the peace He brings to us.
Let us Praise
Sunday, December 18
Before we read the story of the birth of Jesus, let's again ground ourselves in the ultimate reason He came to us.
Zephaniah 3:14-20 This passage speaks of the redemption provided for the ones of God. Some have called it the "John 3:16" of the Old Testament. He is a warrior who saves you!
John 3:16-18 Verse 16 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. This is not by mistake as it contains the greatest news of all time–He came so that those who believe in Him will have life forever!
Monday, December 19
Isaiah 55 Many think you have to have already cleaned yourself up before you can come to Jesus. This is not the truth of the Bible. He asks us to come without anything and He will freely give us what we need–Him! When you receive from Him the natural response is praise! In this passage even the trees praise the Lord for His gifts of joy and peace.
John 4:13-14; John 7:37-38 (Isaiah 55:11); Revelation 21:6-7 Jesus is the living water.
John 6:35,51 Jesus as the bread of life, free for all who believe.
Come as you are and buy, eat, and drink of the goodness of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 20
Matthew 1:1-17 The listing of Jesus's heritage. Notice some of the names of those included. Of course, none were perfect, but some were not even of Jewish lineage (Ruth, a moabite). This indicated that God would be reaching even non-Jews with His offer of salvation through Jesus. Also, there are some whose profession is questionable even among those who do not know God. For instance, a prostitute (Rahab), is found in the line of Jesus. Truly this speaks of God extending His hand of salvation to any who believe in Him.
Matthew 1:18-25 We read this passage earlier this month, but seeing it again this week keeps us close to the unfolding story of His birth as Christmas day approaches.
Wednesday, December 21
Matthew 2:1-23 Wise men came after Jesus's birth to bring gifts to the child and to praise Him. This event happened some time after Jesus was a newborn, as evidenced by the text stating that they visited Him in a house and also referred to him as a child. Herod, according to the time given by the wise men, gave an edict to kill all male children two years old and under. Verse 18 references a passage in Jeremiah 31:15, which foretells the slaughter of the children at Herod's hand. Jesus's birth was to bring us life, but for some, even today, they allow it to bring them death as they reject the truth. May we be of those who come to Him as the wise men did, in simple faith bringing ourselves, and humbly worshiping Him.
Thursday, December 22
Luke 1:1-25 The retelling of the involvement of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John in the story of the coming Messiah. This part of the story inspires us to ask, "am I turned to the LORD and ready for Him today?" (verse 17)
Friday, December 23
Luke 1:26-56 Mary receives a visit by the angel Gabriel and visits her relative Elizabeth. Both Elizabeth and John recognize that Christ is present among them, though yet unborn. Christ is present with you. Do you recognize Him and give praise to the One to whom we owe our lives?
Saturday, December 24
Luke 1:57-80 The birth of John and Zechariah's song which includes praise of God for His provision of salvation through the Christ. Our focus this week is on peace. In verse 79 He promises to guide our feet into the way of peace. How do your feet walk in His peace?
Sunday, December 25
Luke 2:1-40 The events leading up to and surrounding Christ's birth. The deep joy experienced by those privileged to see Him in the days immediately after his birth is evident in the reactions of praise by the shepherds, who went as soon as they heard; by Simeon, who openly praised God as he held Jesus; and by Anna, who spoke her thanks to God and told others of Jesus as the redeemer. When we read of these events, it is good to ask ourselves how we have received the news of Jesus. Do we respond with joy to the news of Jesus, not just during the Christmas season, but every day?
The final verse of this passage states that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom and God's grace was on Him. We also know from the scriptures we have read this month, that He then became the sacrifice for our sins, our redeemer, so that we may be seen as righteous by God. We, too, can grow in strength, being filled with wisdom and God's grace. Praise Him for this precious gift of Jesus Christ who gives us life.
Let's give Him the praise and worship He is due this day, a day of celebration of His coming to us, Immanuel, our Savior and LORD.
For your extra information I found a little history. The traditional religious practice of Advent begins, not on December 1st, but on the fourth Sunday leading up to Christmas. This means that in 2022 we will start on Sunday, November 27th. Many different traditions have developed depending on the specific church, so there is a lot of variance as to the symbolism and use of wreaths and candles, plus activities that surround the period leading up to Christmas. I've only included a snippet here of what I have found.
"According to Saint Gregory of Tours the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when the Bishop Perpetuus directed that starting with the St. Martin's Day on 11 November until Christmas, one fasts three times per week; this is why Advent was sometimes also named "Lent of St. Martin". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent
Wikipedia states that, "the first Sunday represents Isaiah and other prophets in the Bible that predicted the coming of Jesus. The second represents the Bible. The third represents Mary, the mother of Jesus. The fourth represents John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, who told the people in Israel to get ready for Jesus' teaching." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent
A catholic website I found included the following information.
"The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas."
"The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ."
"The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah."
"The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem."
"The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent."
"On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the 'Angel’s Candle,' symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: 'Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.'"
"The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior." https://www.mercyhome.org/blog/sunday-mass/advent-wreath/
