Lisa Sheffler, author

Today, reflect on the passages we have looked at so far, and spend some extended time in prayer.

Reflect

Review our central passages for the week. What are your biggest takeaways?

Connect

There is a word for the place of waiting we sometimes find ourselves in — liminality. Liminal space is the place in between. It’s a threshold, where you’re not in the room, but you’re not out of it either. It’s those uncomfortable times in life when you seem stuck on pause. You know a season is ending, but you’re not quite sure what the future holds.

Liminality is Abraham being promised a son, but having to wait decades for the birth of Isaac. It’s the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, freed from slavery, but not yet in the promised land. It’s David having been anointed as king, but then living for years on the run from Saul. It’s the years of silence between the last prophets and the birth of Jesus. God works in liminal space.

A lot of us feel like we’ve been holding our breath for months, waiting for the end of the pandemic, waiting for the results of the election, waiting for the economy to recover. We long for a return to “normal,” but wonder if that’s even possible. We’re standing at a threshold, not knowing what’s on the other side. So, we’re waiting. God works in the waiting.

During this Advent season, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to teach us how to wait in faith. Let’s allow him to fill us with the joy of anticipation. The incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas reminds us that our God is here and he is with us. He is working to fulfill his every promise, including transforming us into the image of his Son. Don’t waste the waiting. Lean in to Jesus, trust his ways, and celebrate his arrival. Let’s spread the good news that in Christ there is light and life, hope and joy, even in the liminal space.

Respond

What is your next step?

As you consider what this Advent season might mean to you, think about how you can use this time to grow spiritually. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God this Christmas?

People may be more open to talking about Jesus during Christmas. How can you use this season to have meaningful conversations with friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers?

Advent Guide

Merry Christmas! Advent is a tradition that Christians around the world observe and can help you and your family focus on Jesus during the whole Christmas season. This is just one of many plans that are out there. You can use it as written or alter it to add your own traditions. Whether you are raising young children, living in an “empty nest,” or sharing a place with roommates, consider how you can come together with family or friends to celebrate the coming of the Messiah!

What is Advent?

The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming.” Advent is a time of expectant waiting as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to his return.

Traditionally, advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas and on Christmas Eve. Some Christians use an Advent wreath or “crown” that sits on a table. Four candles are placed around the wreath, and one is added in the center. A different candle is lit each week, and the center candle is lit on Christmas Eve. During this special time, Scriptures are read and hymns are sung in celebration of Jesus’ arrival!

2020 Advent Calendar

To follow this Advent calendar, you’ll need: a wreath or “crown” of some kind where you can safely place the candles, five candles (a gold, white, green, purple and red), and a Bible. You’ll also want to find versions of the hymns listed below so you can sing along.

Adapt this so that it fits your family. Use a children’s Bible with pictures if you have little ones. If you don’t have an official Advent wreath or the right color candles, just use what you do have. Be creative! The point is to gather around the table with others and remember what’s truly special about this time of year — the arrival of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

Week 1 (11/29) The Prophets

Gold Candle: for prophets who announced Christ’s coming
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2–7, Isaiah 53:1–5, Micah 5:2, Luke 2:25–38 (Simeon and Anna)
Hymn: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Week 2 (12/6) The Angels

White Candle: for the angels who announced Jesus’ coming
Scripture Readings: Luke 1:11–45 (to Zechariah and Mary), Matthew 1:18–25 (to Joseph)
Hymn: Hark the Herald

Week 3 (12/13) The Shepherds

Green Candle: for the shepherds who came to worship Jesus
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8–20
Hymn: Joy to the World

Week 4 (12/20) The Wise Men

Purple Candle: for the wise men who came to worship Jesus
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1–18
Hymn: We Three Kings