12.08.21 | Reflecting on Advent

For the remainder of Advent, we will focus our time on what this season is all about – Jesus’ coming.

In Latin, Advent means “coming,” and these weeks are meant to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the arrival of God-With-Us, Jesus Christ. During this season, we are supposed to feel the wait, the anticipation of wanting something so badly. And by embracing the waiting, we look forward to the celebration of Christ’s arrival on Christmas Day with even greater hope.

During our time of fasting and prayer, we will focus on asking God how He may want to reshape our tendencies and habits to be focused more on ushering in His kingdom and living under His lordship.

Begin your time by asking God what He wants you to know about yourself and His kingdom. Reflect on His goodness, and spend time appreciating Jesus for who He is.

Then, meditate for as long as you need, on the words of the Christmas hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Feel free to sing or listen to the song as you meditate.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Day-Spring
Come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height
In ancient times did’st give the Law
In cloud, and majesty and awe
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

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