The Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, doesn’t it? It is not unusual to see Halloween costumes and Christmas trees set up in the same store, at the same time! But that’s retail.

In the Christian world November 27 marked the first Sunday of Advent for 2022. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas that is different from the retail world. The word advent from the Latin adventus, means “coming” or “arrival.” The season of Advent is focused on the coming of Jesus as Messiah (Christ or King).

It’s so easy to get caught up in the Christmas preparations fuelled by the retail sector. To be honest, I felt a bit of a frenzy this past weekend not wanting to miss out on any Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals even though I knew those sales would extend all week and likely all month! We can get so caught up, and I wonder if we really have a chance to stop and prepare our hearts and our minds to receive our Saviour. That is the whole purpose of Advent.

I get that it’s not always easy to stop and reflect. Carving out some time is difficult enough but then how? How can we reflect and prepare our hearts?

Well if you can figure out the time part, let me offer some suggestions regarding resources. There are a great number of Advent devotionals that you can access online or at your neighbourhood Christian book store.

Here are four I recommend:

1. God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas edited by Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe

My favourite Advent devotional by far. Gorgeous, full-colour art plates (both classic and contemporary) for each day of Advent and Christmastide. Devotional introductions and reflections on the weekly Scripture readings and prayers include authors like Eugene Peterson, Scott Cairns, Luci Shaw, Emilie Griffin, Richard John Neuhaus and Kathleen Norris. A beautiful addition to your Advent & Christmas decorations

2. In the Manger by Max Lucado

Through 25 Advent-themed selections taken from his most popular books, you'll feel as though you've joined Mary and Joseph at the feet of the King lying in the manger.

Family friendly:

3. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

Love this! This is an adaptation, for families, of her best selling book The Greatest Gift. It is beautiful to look at and it directs you to scripture, as well as including devotional reading and simple activities. It is truly written for all ages, so the entire family can join in.

4. Welcome Baby Jesus by Sarah A. Reinhard

Perfect for families with young children of multiple ages. The readings are short and simple. There are three sections to each day’s instalment: Think, Pray, Act. Think provides a thoughtful devotional reading.

It’s my prayer that as you take some time to reflect, pray and respond during Advent that Christ will become even more special to you during the this very special time of year!

This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent and we will begin a new series that will take us to Sunday December 25th, Christmas Day! Please plan to join us.

Also, because it is a time of preparation, anticipation and surprises I will have a surprise for two of you. When I ask: What does the word Advent mean?

Answer with the response “coming or arrival” and you will receive a lovely gift!

See you Sunday!