A Reflection on Advent
DECEMBER 4, 2024
When my children were little, they sang a song during the Christmas season called Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Each year, this catchy little tune, announced the arrival of Advent when the children’s choir sang, “I don’t need material things, all I need is the love you (Jesus) bring.”
What a powerful message they shared with us, especially during this important time of year when Christians are forced to reckon with conflicting demands on our resources and attention. While some of us recently searched store aisles for Halloween candy, we were overwhelmed by the overabundance of Thanksgiving and Christmas decor already on full display. At every turn, the messaging we encountered was that we needed to purchase something to make the holidays more beautiful, meaningful and perhaps most important, more memorable.
Getting lost in the noise and distractions of the holiday season is in no way a mistake. Advertisers specialize in creating enticing campaigns that draw our attention to fleeting moments of consumerism fueled by empty promises based on things rather than the true meaning of this special season. For Christian communities, this season holds far greater meaning than gifts that can be bought in stores, but freely offers us the greatest gift ever given - Jesus Christ.
During this sacred time of year, some observe Advent, a time of reflection on the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the anticipation of Christ’s return. Beginning on Sunday, December 1, 2024 and lasting for four consecutive weeks, Christian communities of faith will reflect on the miraculous story of the birth of Jesus, who came to overcome this world for our salvation. In churches across the globe, songs will be sung, prayers will be offered, scriptures will be recited and imaginative re-creations of the Holy night of Jesus’ birth will be re-enacted to commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Each week during Advent, we are invited to reflect upon the coming of Christ, through prayers and the lighting of purple, pink and sometimes white, colored candles. During this anticipatory season, each week is dedicated to a specific focus reflective of the gifts given to us by Christ Jesus. During week one we are called to meditate and pray on Hope, followed by Peace, then Joy (the pink candle) and finally, we end the month with Love. These candles are typically held in an advent wreath that is a symbolic spiritual compass directing us on our journey of preparation for the arrival of our Lord, Jesus.
As we enter into the first week of Advent, let us be mindful of the true meaning of this season. It’s not about temporal things, but the power of a genuine and eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. While it is wonderful to give and receive gifts during the Christmas season, let us never forget the reason for the season. May God bless you as we turn our eyes toward the Savior, Jesus - the greatest gift we could ever imagine during this most wonderful time of the year.
Amen and Hallelujah!
Author:
Monica Moss
Master of Arts in Ministry,
McCormick Theological Seminary