When I was younger, I could barely wait for anything that was exciting or momentous. Birthday parties, holidays, visits from family or friends… I never counted ‘sleeps’, but I certainly counted down the days till something was due to happen. And this was never more the case than waiting for Christmas. The Advent calendar slowly counted down the days; this was in the time before you got a daily chocolate kick – all you had to contain your excitement was a small picture of a star or robin.
But there is something about this anticipation, about this waiting for something exciting. The people of God had been waiting centuries for the coming of the Messiah. They had been ruled by good kings and by bad. They had been invaded and carried off into exile. They had slowly returned to the Promised Land and then fallen under the rule of the Roman Empire.
But they carried on waiting, holding close to the promises God had made them:
‘Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep, this ruler will lead and care for this people by the power and glorious name of the Lord his God. His people will live securely, and the whole earth will know his true greatness, because he will bring peace’ Micah 5:4,5a.
‘His names will be Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last for ever. He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done’ Isaiah 9:6b,7.
And this is the period we are entering now. Though shopping centres and restaurants have been trying to get us ready for Christmas since the August Bank Holiday (or so it seems), Advent – the church’s time of preparing for Christmas – has only just begun. There is a lot to do in churches, with Christmas events, carol services, parties or youth socials all needing your attention. But what about you?
In such a busy season of preparing things for young people, we can forget to spend any time getting ourselves ready. When was the last time you reflected on the anticipation of the incarnation? Why not start now? Put down that ice-skating risk assessment and try one of these links:
- CYM have put together an Advent Calendar which provides a Bible passage and reflection for each day in December. Written by a wide range of people, there are reflections for you as well as thoughts on your work with young people.
- Scripture Union have an Advent stream on their WordLive Bible engagement site. Slices of the story of the incarnation are told each day through simple animations.
- For a more active engagement, take part in Bible Society’s #AdventChallenge. Each day, you be emailed a range of challenges to choose from, including babysitting for friends, donating something to a charity shop and giving someone an unexpected gift.
- If you fancy a more traditional option, take advantage of BRF’s free Advent Bible reading guide – a taster for their year-round printed products.
Don’t let this season of anticipation pass you by in a whirl of elf costumes, decorations and mince-pie induced stomach aches. Reconnect yourself to the life-changing message of the coming Messiah.
Alex Taylor is part of the Diocese of London’s children’s and youth team and doesn’t have an Advent Calendar this year.
Image credit: Advent wreath via photopin (license)