Advent for All People
by Jessica Jewett
Advent is a time of prayer, reflection, and waiting. If you are new to the Christian faith, Advent is a time where we wait in patience to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace enter into our minds, hearts, and homes as we wait for Christmas to arrive.
I remember as a little girl, Advent was my favorite time of the year. It was a big deal in my family because the season of Christmas was a big deal so the lead up to it was just as powerful. I remember we used to say a special prayer and light the candle each Sunday, and my siblings and I would kneel in front of the lighted Nativity set to say our bedtime prayers before going to sleep. It had such an impact on my young life that as I continue to grow up I wanted to include many of those traditions in my future home and family.
As each theme and Sunday of Advent has its own special and deep meaning, the theme I relate to the most is joy. The theme of joy is always the lighting of the pink candle and always falls on the third Sunday of Advent. We are preparing our hearts for the Joy of the Lord to enter into the world. One reading that can reach any person no matter their personal or faith background is from Philippians. “The Lord is near, so have no anxiety in anything, but with everything stand firm in prayer, petition, and with thanksgiving. If you make your requests known to God, he will hear you and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds, so Rejoice. The Lord is near.”
So as we continue to prepare are hearts, minds, and homes, to welcome in our Savior, know you are loved no matter your background, circumstance or situation, so in the words of Martin Smith: Shout to the north and the south; sing to the east and the west. Jesus is Savior to all, He’s Lord of Heaven and Earth.
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