Take Heart This Advent

Advent

Nov 26

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, and that is good news for the weary heart.

Each year, Advent is an invitation to slow down, linger, and remember the long wait God’s people endured for the promised Messiah. As we join in songs like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel we’re reminded of their battle to believe that God would come through on all his promises. And as we see — with New Covenant perspective — their glorious fulfillment in Jesus at Christmas, we draw strength as we’re exhorted by saints of old:

“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3).

This Advent is an opportunity to reorient our hearts to eagerly await Christ’s coming as we linger in God’s promises yet to be fulfilled at Christ’s return. Take heart, weary Christian, Jesus is real, and he really is coming back for us soon. (John 14:3). So do not waste your waiting, but let it be an expression of your faith, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Wherever you’re coming from this Advent, take heart, and proclaim together with us this Sunday:

Christ has come, Christ will come again!

One particular practical application I’d like to highlight this Advent is: Reclaim your Sunday mornings.

Even in the midst of the December rush, let’s reclaim our Sunday mornings from their usual scramble. Let’s treat them as a unique gift — an opportunity to prepare your heart, and the hearts of your family, to worship Jesus with God’s people.

There are many ways this can take shape: whether taking time Saturday night for necessary preparations, reading the sermon text in your devotions, or learning our Advent & Christmas Catechisms with your kids in the car. I’d especially encourage you to look ahead at each Sunday’s Order of Service and use the songs to prepare your children (and your own heart) to engage in corporate worship. Let them play in the background throughout the weekend, and invite your children to sing along. There’s value even in their recognizing the songs we sing together.

These simple rhythms can help orient our hearts to worship Jesus, and I pray that they would stir in us a deeper hope, a steadier joy, and a renewed longing for the One who came and who will come again.