John 3:16 Advent Preparation

It is that time of year again ... a time of great joy, but also a time with some mixed emotions. The celebration of Christ's birth has taken on so many secular trappings that the joy of His birth is sometimes lost in the tinsel and the work.

The word "Advent" means "Coming" and the season of Advent is a time of preparation for His coming. It is important for us to prepare our hearts for Christ's coming in two ways.

The first is for the celebration of His birth, His first coming. During the weeks before our Christmas celebration it is good to reflect on the purpose of His birth: God's great love for us. "For God so loved the world and He gave his only begotten son...." (John 3:16). The phrase "the world" can only be understood as people ... you and me. It is true, God loves you and gave His own precious son for you. That is the joy of Christmas.

How can we prepare our hearts for such a holy event? Reflect on His love for you during this Advent season. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal new insights to you, to prepare your heart experience and express God's love in new way. Perhaps you and your family could begin doing advent devotions together (if that hasn't been your practice). Step away, in your own mind and heart, from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the season. Step into the peace of that first Christmas, when angels sang and shepherds bowed the knee to the Holy one of God.

The second preparation is for Christ's return to this earth. Just as we don't know the exact date of His first coming, so we don't know when He will return. The cry of the church has always been "Maranatha!", come quickly! None of us can predict it, and none care hasten it. We can prepare for it. Just as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's first coming, we must be prepared for His second coming. That event will be as significant as the first. As a result of His first coming He offered all mankind full restoration to God, an opportunity to be saved from our fallen state and brought back into fellowship with the Father. At his second coming He completes the transaction. Those who have trusted Him will then be transported (raptured) into the presence of God. Those who have not trusted Him will be judged and spend eternity seperated from God.

Preparation is an important aspect of spiritual growth and life. I pray that God will work in all our lives a sense of joy and excitement about Christ's comings and, because of His preparation in us by the Holy Spirit, we will be found faithful and ready when He returns.

Bob Goldsby

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City Harvest Church Vancouver, WA