The time sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas in modern times seems to have been taken over by the retail world. It starts with a bang on Black Friday (the big shopping event the day after Thanksgiving) and is then measured by how many shopping days are left until Christmas.

At Spaces of Grace, we think it’s about time we recapture this time and use it as God intended us to. In the Christian calendar, this season is called Advent. Did you know that it is actually the start of the new calendar year for the Christian calendar? While I’m sure that many of us are familiar with Advent, I know in my life it has often been overshadowed by the busyness and business of December.

How can we recapture some of the purposes of Advent that God intended for this time?

Meaning & Purpose of Advent

First, let’s look at what Advent means. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and it means “coming” or “arrival.” In Advent, we are to focus on the coming of Jesus as Messiah. Traditionally, the music, scripture readings, and prayers of Advent have focused not only on Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby, but also include a focus on Jesus’ eventual second coming. That is why an Advent devotional includes scriptures from both the Old Testament about the birth of the Messiah and the New Testament scriptures about Jesus’ second coming.

God designed this time of Advent for us to prepare our own hearts for our Savior. We can celebrate His birth, and we can look forward to His return to Earth. So, practically in the busyness of the season, how can we go about preparing our hearts?

Prepare Your Heart for Christmas

• Introspection. Advent is a good time for introspection. Prayerfully ask God what needs to go—in your heart, in your life—so that you have room for the Savior. We don’t want to be like all the innkeepers in Bethlehem who had no room for the Savior. What do we need to weed out so that we have the time to spend with Jesus this Advent? Can you make room in your schedule so that each morning or evening you take some time to pray, read, and prepare your heart for Jesus?
• Advent Wreath. Add a few Advent activities to do with your family. One suggestion would be to place an Advent wreath on your kitchen table and light a candle on each of the Sundays of Advent and on Christmas Eve. Have a family member read a verse of scripture as the candle is being lit, and then share a prayer together.
• Jesse Tree. How about making a Jesse tree with your children? Click on this link for information and ideas: Jesse Tree ideas on Pinterest
• Advent Calendar. You could also purchase an Advent calendar in a Christian bookstore with scripture for each day. Children (and adults, I admit!) love opening a door every day. This year, Mary and I are offering a digital Advent Calendar and Devotional for adults on Amazon called Celebrate Advent Through the Eyes of a Child. We’d love to have you join us for 24 days from December 1 to December 24.
• Music. Play some of the beautiful music of Advent. I discovered that Advent music is different from Christmas music. Here’s a mix of Christmas and Advent music from a free playlist I created on Spotify.
• Advent Retreat. Almost every year, I try to attend an Advent retreat. I love this opportunity to disengage from distractions and focus on the Savior. This doesn’t have to be overnight; I usually do 1/2 day. Trust me, it will be a highlight of your December. To find one near you, simply type “Advent Retreats Near Me” in your browser’s search bar, and a list should pop up. 

Recapturing Advent Moments with Our Savior

So this year, let’s have our focus not be on the number of shopping days left until Christmas, but on the moments we are able to spend with our Savior. It’s my prayer that this Advent season will be a blessed time of preparation for you and your family. We’d love to hear what’s on your heart as you journey through Advent. Share your thoughts in the comments below.