Advent

Definition: “Advent, the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.” (dictionary.com)

Growing up, Advent to me was all about the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the pretty candles in the huge wreath on the shiny brass stand at the front of the church. Each week another candle would get lit. To me, it was the countdown to gifts under the tree and all the Christmas fun. But, there was greater meaning to it all. One by one we’d light the candles of…

Hope.
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
And finally on Christmas Eve, the center candle… the Christ candle…

Advent. I feel like more than ever, I need this season of waiting because this has felt like a YEAR of waiting.

Waiting for answers. Waiting for change. Waiting for resolution. Waiting for whatever’s coming next. Waiting for reassurance. Waiting for things to be made right.

And now, here we are in the season of Advent…the season of waiting… for Jesus. I feel like I need this Advent badly. I need to anticipate HIM, wait expectantly for HIM.

Advent.
I’m trying to find ways to be more intentional in thinking about what..who… I’m waiting for this Advent. And, know too, He is here. Now. Immanuel.

On my list for an #artistdate2020 is to listen to an album start to finish — JUST listen. So, tonight, I turned off Hallmark (gasp!) and I listened to Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God. It’s a longtime favorite. But, just listening was a challenge (okay…I had to put my phone under the couch.)… and, it was good. Focusing on the voices. Really hearing the words.

“Broken hearts, behold our broken hearts
Fallen far, we need you…”

I’m glad I have started this season this way. And, I’m hopeful I can continue to find ways to anticipate and expectantly wait…

“Son of God, Emmanuel
Son of Man, We praise you
Behold the Lamb, The hope of man
Behold the Lamb”

What is Advent like for you? What are some ways you mark this season?
Do you have suggestions for songs or albums I can listen to this Advent season?

I know…it’s luxurious for many of you to even think of sitting… by yourself… in a room … quietly… doing nothing… but listen to music — let alone for the length of an entire album. Maybe give it a try? Maybe just one song? Maybe in the car before heading in the house? Maybe an extra few minutes before getting out of the shower?

If you do… I’d like to hear about it. What did you listen to? What did you think?