How to Observe Advent Like a Christian

What do you, as a Christian, do to observe Advent?

On a recent visit to the Christmas card section of Wal-Mart, I found singing cards, pop-up cards, 3-D cards (which, admittedly, are kind of cool), cards with jokes, money-holder cards, and neutral “Happy Holidays” kinds of cards. But Christmas cards with any type of meaningful Biblical message at all?

Those were non-existent.

The few labeled “religious” constituted less than ten percent of the stock and mostly stuck to wimpy “may your Christmas be filled with peace” kinds of messages. 

There’s so much more to Christmas than that.

So I went home and made my own cards. And then I started pondering the question:

How might I observe Advent like a Christian?

Come, Lord Jesus.

The word “advent” is actually a command—”come.” (Try that one on your dog next time you work on his obedience skills.) The commercial world would have you believe it’s entirely about the coming of Christmas.

Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, Christmas lights, Christmas parties…

But Advent means something different for Christians. Advent isn’t the preparation time for another glitzy holiday.

Advent is about preparing for the coming of the Savior—celebrating his first arrival while preparing for his second. 

As a Christian, you have a reason to enjoy the present while looking forward to the future. Let that sink in for a moment. Roll it around in your mind and store it in your heart.

What are you doing to prepare for Jesus?

Personally, I love all the hoopla surrounding Christmas, and I’m not about to say you must eschew all traditions that don’t involve nativity scenes and church services. Sugar cookies, boxes wrapped in shiny paper, houses covered in strings of lights, belting out carols along with the radio?

These are a few of my favorite things. And all can make your celebration of Christ more meaningful.

But take a moment to focus on what’s real and true.

Real: Christ came into the world as a baby so he could grow up and take your place on the cross.

True: Jesus loves you, and he’s coming back for you.

Those are the only things that matter. And because of that, there are really only two things you need to do to observe Advent like a Christian:

1) Meet him in his house.
2) Meet him in his Word.

Doing everything else but skipping these most crucial elements is like putting on makeup and forgetting to wear pants!

1) Meet him in his house.

Worship can happen in many ways, but attending church is the most obvious and, frankly, the most convenient.

Think about it.

Someone else (your ministers and/or worship leaders) chooses the Scripture readings, the prayers, the songs, and the message, and puts them into an orderly format so all you have to do is show up with listening ears and an open heart. How easy is that?

It honestly amazes me how many Christians see church as non-essential when worship is absolutely essential for any Christian’s relationship with God. Organized church services are the best way to do this.

2) Meet him in his Word.

This, too, is very simple: Read your Bible! You can’t know God if you don’t regularly meditate on His words.

If you haven’t already made daily Bible reading a habit, Advent is a great time to start. At a loss as to where to start? Check out my twelve-day Advent devotion series 12 Reasons to Rejoice. You’ll explore who Jesus was and is, along with suggested Scripture readings for each day.

Because he was way more than just a cute little baby in a nativity scene!

Make it your goal to observe Advent like a Christian this season!

Don’t relegate Jesus to a measly ten-percent slice of a chaotic, glazed-over holiday pie. Keep him at the center of your focus, and all other elements of the holiday season will have more purpose.

Check out Fervr.net for a list of 30 creative ways you can grow your faith during Advent.