The Story of Advent
December 7th, 2022
My closest experience with advent growing up was with a felt fabric Christmas tree that hung on our wall with 25 little pockets and we looked forward to getting a chocolate every morning during the month of December before school. Every Christmas Eve my family would read Luke 2 and we would discuss the real meaning of Christmas. My understanding of Advent as an entire season is still expanding and growing, and after looking up the meaning of the word, I’m now pondering what it means to have expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and joyful preparation for the Savior leading up to Christmas. I think for me, the waiting, anticipation, and preparation have been tied to candy and presents as a kid, and as an adult, my focus has mainly been on providing those outward experiences for my own kids. I’m learning now there is potential for so much more.
There seems to be a lot of symbolism for the gospel story within the advent themes. It reminds me not only of the second coming of Christ, but also how we can live on a daily basis. With God working in our lives, there is hopefulness and joy even when things get complicated and painful. In the depths of winter, we hope for the coming of spring and new life! Waiting without meaning or purpose feels empty and frustrating. But finding purpose and anticipation from God in your life through both the ups and downs helps us discover joy in the journey. I’m looking forward to applying these themes to advent this year and focusing more on our Savior Jesus Christ throughout this entire Christmas season.
- Megan Hardy