Final thoughts on Advent

We have always heard that it is better to give than receive.  We remind our children of this especially during the holiday season.  The saying is derived from what Paul says in Acts 20:35.  As we wrap up the season of Advent, I have been thinking about how Advent is not so much about us, but more about preparing us to give, not receive.

Sure, we all would like more hope, peace, joy, and love in our lives.  Advent looks at the bigger picture; we long for the coming of Jesus which doesn’t necessarily bring hope, peace, joy, and love to our lives, but to the world.  We receive them as a byproduct of actively living out these things.

Hope:  Our hope is more than a hope for a Savior.  It is a hope for salvation and restoration.  This will require us to be the agents of sharing, caring, and working towards restoring humanity and our world to a right relationship with our Creator.

Peace: Peace is not so much about our personal peace, but working towards peace in our families, community, and world. The shalom of advent is working to right the wrongs in this world.  Jesus even said that He did not come to bring peace but He did say blessed are the peacemakers.

Joy: Joy gets confused with happiness.  Again, it’s not about our joy.  What joy can you bring into other’s lives?  It may bring you joy.

Love:  Love is not a feeling. It’s about what we do for others. God’s love is directed towards us.  Love is emptying yourself for the betterment of others.  Hmm. That’s what God did by sending Jesus to be our Savior.

Have a blessed Christmas and may God bring us all into a deeper advent-walk with our Savior!