Today is the First Sunday in Advent, the beginning of a time of preparation for Christians that leads up to Christmas. Fr. Chip Harper All Saints Anglican Church, which is my parish, offers a short liturgy lesson about the meaning of Advent.
The liturgies during the Advent season focus on three Advents: the Advent of Jesus’ birth in a manger two thousand years ago, the Advent of the Lord in our own hearts and lives, and the Advent of the Second Coming at the end of time. The Bible teaches us to be ever-ready as we don’t know when the Lord will come. Advent is a time to prepare … to get ready.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and busy-ness of the holiday season instead of focusing of the real meaning of the holy season. Adding special devotions … maybe using an Advent wreath … spending time with the Lord are all good ways to focus on what Christmas is really all about.
I’ve created Scripture/prayer cards that have a Bible verse on one side and a prayer on the other. You can download a PDF file and print the cards on your own computer printer. Reading one of the cards can create a brief moment of devotion in a busy day.
The download of the cards is my gift to you with the prayer that we both focus on the meaning of the season this Advent … and prepare for Christmas.