The word “advent” means “a coming from outside, a sudden breaking into.” It is the word we’ve been given for the weeks preceding Christmas. We aren’t sure when it first started but Advent is referenced as early as the 4th century. Traditionally, Advent was a season of penitence and preparation similar to Lent. Today we may know it much more as a hurried and harried season of preparation for Christmas.

To hopefully help you recover some of the preparatory, reflective nature of Advent this devotional is offered. The style may not please everyone but if it helps you think about these characters and images and lessons related to the season, then it has served well.

Advent is traditionally divided into four themes corresponding to the four weeks of Advent and works “backwards” from the return (Advent of majesty,) to God present in us (Advent of mystery) and finishes with the incarnation at Christmas (the Advent of history). The first week is about preparing for Christ’s return and the theme is hope. The Second week is about seeking God and the theme is peace. The third week is about being sought by God and the theme is joy. The fourth week is about finding and being found by God in Jesus Christ and the theme is love.

I doubt any of the material is original to me. The thoughts have certainly been expressed by others somewhere along the way and made an impression which spills back over to you, but you are viewing them through my lens. I hope they spill over into you and you are able to relay them through your own life and thoughts and words. I have tried to make references where I can and there is never any intention to borrow or steal a thought but I also wonder if we’ve ever had one that wasn’t stolen or borrowed from elsewhere?