When You Wake Up to the Hard and Unexpected

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” The Latin derived the word from the Greek word parousia, which is used when describing the Second Coming of Christ. The purpose of Advent is two-fold. The first is a celebration of the initial arrival of Christ; the second is an anticipation of Christ’s return. Advent gently reminds us of the “now” and “not yet” that comes with being people of faith.

Advent reminds us of the importance of waiting.

Advent whispers our need for a Savior.

Advent teaches us God’s timing is always better than our own.

Whether you’re new to celebrating Advent or you’ve observed Advent for many years, I encourage you to nurture a sense of awe and anticipation in your life for Christ. From the events surrounding His miracle-studded arrival to His unforgettable life, death, and resurrection, those who encountered Jesus were Christ taken back with a profound sense of wonder.

Advent begins November 29 and ends December 24, 2015. Join us this year as we prepare our hearts for the arrival of a tiny heartbeat that changes history. 

The Christmas season is full of expectation from family visits to carefully chosen gifts, ugly sweater parties to get-togethers with loved ones. 

We expect that special meal Mom makes, that silly tradition, the candlelight service on a quiet night. But Christmas had an unexpected beginning.

Oh, the world anticipated a Savior. One who would announce peace, deliverance, and good news. The world had waited roused with expectancy for centuries.

Mary, too.

Knowing the Messiah would be a bridge to heaven, a preacher of righteousness, a grain of wheat to fall into the ground. Mary knew the prophecies and that long promised one would be born of a virgin.

Mary never expected that virgin would be her.

To read more, download the free 4-week Advent Bible Study Devotional by Margaret Feinberg , click here.