Most Wonderful Time of Year
Dear Patheos Friends: Just like that- the most wonderful time of the year is here! It’s December friends- halls decked with decorations, Christmas lights adorning homes, Christmas songs adding to the jolliness we all feel during this special time of the year. This special month of December brings with it lots to celebrate. Children look forward to the baking treats that come with the Gingerbread House Day, National Cookie Day and National Chocolate Brownie Day. Science nerds have the Dewey Decimal System Day and the Winter Solstice to celebrate. And for all followers of Christ, December is a hallmark of our faith with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Shoutout to everyone that shares a birthday month with our Savior- Jesus Christ. The month of December is packed and ready for us to engage in.
New To Advent?
December also ushers in the Advent season. A special time of intentional focus and preparation for the celebration of Jesus birth. This year, Advent runs from December 1 to December 24. There are many resources available to anyone interested in participating in Advent. Using an Advent calendar, each day during the season focuses on key themes of scripture, worship and prayer. In case Advent is something new to you, come on a learning journey to explore, engage and grow during this special season of preparation to celebrate Jesus birth on Christmas Day. The Bible Project provides one of the best learning spaces for anyone wanting to know the basics of the season and why it is important, in an easy to follow manner.
Blessings of Advent
Though Advent history is linked to people from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian denominational backgrounds, many spirit-filled believers from non-denominational and Baptist backgrounds observe the Advent season. No matter the doctrinal background the church collective may hold, the concept of Advent is the same. The concept focuses on preparing one’s heart through worship, prayer and scripture study to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The blessings of Advent are numerous- from a consecration approach, to a time of spiritual renewal, engaging in Advent is a great time for followers of Christ to deepen their relationship and walk with the Trinity (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit). Engaging in Advent does require time commitment and intentionality. Anything that will bring people closer to God is a blessing- “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8a).
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