Advent season is time to pause, reflect and prepare

Although life between Thanksgiving and Christmas can seem like a sprint, it also is a time when Christians pause to remember Advent, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The term comes from the Latin translation of “coming,” and many prophecies in the Old Testament point to this promise. It’s the beginning of the liturgical New Year season for many Christian churches.

During the early days of December, Christians are called to be ready and watchful. For four weeks, they wait and prepare for Christ’s birth. Although it is a great opportunity to turn outward by reaching out, it also is a time for turning inward. Christians can look at their own spiritual journey and growth, examine where they are in their relationship with God and bring themselves back to the path of discipleship.

The Advent wreath, made of a circle of evergreen leaves with four standing candles, symbolizes eternal life. Each candle has a different meaning, representing the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ:

• The first candle represents hope in Christ.
• The second candle represents the peace found in Christ.
• The third candle represents the love that Christians have in Christ.
• The fourth represents the joy that Christians have in Christ.
• The central candle represents Christ, who is the light of the world.

“This Advent, take a look inward,” Beliefnet writes in a story. The beautiful part about Advent is how it foils the busyness that commonly comes with the Christmas season. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, family and social lives that we often forget to take the time to think about Christ, who the season is all about. Pause. Stop for a few minutes each day during Advent and examine yourself in silence or meditation. Take this period to look not only at where you are on your spiritual journey with God but also at where you desire or plan to be.

“If you feel you’re not where you’d like to be on that journey, talk to God. Ask him for guidance and peace. Challenge yourself to truly reflect on the promises that come through our faith and the grace we receive through his light.”

–Alan Goforth