Luke 21:34-36
“But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 (MSG)
I’ve been a Boy Scout leader for over 30 years and spent hundreds of nights sleeping in a tent in all kinds of weather. The key to surviving and enjoying all those nights of camping was following the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.
Today is the first day of Advent, which is also a time of preparation. The name is derived from the Latin word adventus meaning coming or arrival. The church will be adorned in holiday decorations, we’ll sing some of my favorite hymns and the first candle of the Advent wreath, which traditionally represents Hope, will be lit at the beginning of the service. Preparation during Advent includes shopping for Christmas presents, decorating the house, and making plans for family celebrations. It’s a fun and festive time.
All the secular activities of Christmas are great, but it’s important to remember the true theme of Advent – Jesus. Traditionally, Advent is a time of reflective preparation for His arrival. It’s a three-fold task including getting ready to celebrate His birth, acknowledging His presence in the Holy Spirit, and readying ourselves for His second coming. This year, I’m using this theme to plan a more spiritual emphasis.
So, here is Mark’s Advent Preparation Plan
- Birth of Jesus: Rather than concentrating on the manger, the shepherds and the three wise guys, I’d like to instead fix my attention on Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah in Luke 1. What a wonderful story and portending of Jesus and his mission. Born to an insignificant woman in a tiny town, the very type of person whom his teaching would seek out.
- Acknowledging the Holy Spirit: I’ll try to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit in my daily life. How does the Spirit communicate with me? Are there specific conduits?
- Jesus Second Coming: Today’s reading reminds us that no one knows when this will happen, so we’d better be ready. I think a review of Revelation and relevant commentary might be a good starting point.
When camping, preparation is great, but if I’m going to stay dry, I need to execute my plan properly. Pitching my tent in an elevated location and making sure the rain fly is staked out and tight will ensure a comfortable night.
Execution is equally important for my Advent studies. When I was conducting research for this devotion, it struck me how little I focus on the spiritual side of the season. I’ve got a plan, but will I see it through? I’ll share the results in a short addendum to my next devotion (1/18/25).
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you prepare during the Advent season?
- What’s important to you during Advent?
- Will you make your own spiritual Advent plan?
Prayer:
Hey God, Thank you for the greatest gift of Christmas - Your Son. Help me to remember and appreciate Him during this Advent season. As I start a quest to better understand His birth, legacy in the Holy Spirit, and the eventual Second Coming, give me Your guidance to make this a successful journey. Amen.
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