Advent, the season of anticipation leading up to Christmas, offers a unique opportunity to refocus our lives on Jesus. More than just celebrating His birth, Advent invites us to contemplate His return and the hope it brings. Especially as we prepare for Christmas, busily balancing work, shopping, and scheduling family get-togethers, the four themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—provide a powerful framework for spiritual reflection and renewal.
Hope: Anchoring Our Souls in the Promise of His Return
Hope, the first theme of Advent, is a beacon of light in the darkness. As we look forward to the coming of Christ, we can find hope in the assurance that He will return to make all things new. His promise of eternal life and the restoration of creation gives us a reason to live with purpose and joy.
Peace: Finding Rest in the Assurance of His Presence
Peace, the second theme of Advent, is a gift that transcends our understanding. In a world filled with chaos and unrest, peace is a precious commodity. By focusing on Jesus, we can find a deep sense of inner peace that surpasses all human comprehension. As we meditate on His teachings and surrender our worries to Him, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing that He is always with us.
Joy: A Gift from God in the Promise of His Coming
Joy, the third theme of Advent, is a gift from God that fills our hearts with gladness. In a world that often focuses on material possessions and fleeting pleasures, joy can be something that lasts. As we focus on Jesus and His love for us, we can experience a joy that cannot be taken away. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and it empowers us to face life’s challenges with courage and hope.
Love: The Greatest Gift of All, and the Reason for His Return
Love, the fourth theme of Advent, is the greatest gift of all. As we reflect on the love of God for humanity, we are filled with awe and gratitude. The love of Jesus is unconditional and eternal, and it offers us hope, peace, and joy. By loving others as Jesus loves us, we can become channels of God’s love in the world.
Refocusing Our Lives on Jesus’s Return
The themes of Advent provide a powerful framework for refocusing our lives on Jesus and His return. We remember that Jesus came to bring all of these things in part and is coming again to bring them to fulfillment completely. By making the theme of Advent–hope, peace, joy, and love– the lenses through which we experience the Christmas season, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the fullness of life. Even while working long hours and dealing with people in one of the most stressful times of the year, Advent can be a season that brings us closer to Christ even as the world experiences more and more chaos. As we await the coming of Christ, let us be filled with anticipation and joy, knowing that He is with us and has a wonderful plan for our lives.
