holiday, Faith
Prepare Your Heart this Advent Season
November 29, 2024
Advent is here. How will you prepare for the arrival of the baby named Jesus, the Savior of the world?
One of my all-time favorite holiday movies is Elf. In this Christmas comedy, Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, travels to New York City to find his biological father. His cheerful and childlike spirit clashes hilariously with the cynicism of the city, ultimately spreading Christmas joy and rekindling the holiday spirit in everyone he meets.
One memorable scene shows Buddy hearing that Santa Claus is coming to the mall. Thinking it was the real Santa from his childhood, Buddy prepares for Santa’s arrival by staying up all night stringing lights, tidying up, and transforming the department store into a festive winter wonderland with handmade decorations. Buddy was preparing to meet the most important person in his world with honor, respect, and joyful celebration.
The word advent literally means the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The Advent season begins on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, inviting us to anticipate the arrival of Jesus.
In the Old Testament, Israel awaited the coming of their Savior. For Christians, Jesus is that Savior—He has come and will one day come again to re-create the heavens and the earth (Revelation 21). Advent unites followers of Jesus worldwide as we anticipate remembering His incarnation and birth at Christmas, when He entered the world to save us from our sins.
Christmas Day then marks the beginning of a new season of celebration and joy because Jesus has come. As the angels proclaimed: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).
At Concordia, the Advent season is a time of preparation for both the end of the year and the start of Christmas break. Students are busy studying for final exams and completing last-minute papers. Staff are wrapping up projects and processes before 2025. Faculty are assessing students’ learning and helping them prepare to succeed on their exams.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, we take moments to pause and pray—during chapel services, Grow Group Bible studies, and even in class. Together, we echo the Apostle Paul’s prayers to the Ephesians, that during Advent, the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which Jesus has called us (Ephesians 1:18).
How will you prepare for the arrival of the baby named Jesus, the Savior of the world?
Here are a few ideas for preparing your heart during Advent:
- Take 5: Spend five minutes each day reading Isaiah 11 and giving thanks for Jesus, our Savior.
- Pause and Pray: Take one minute each day to pray for our students as they prepare for final exams (and for some, graduation), and for our staff and faculty as they lead and serve.
- Get a Calendar: Advent calendars come in many varieties—filled with wine, makeup, sausages, or even LEGO for kids! Choose one and use it as a fun, daily reminder to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
CTX senior Chad Kelly is preparing for ministry within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod as a Director of Christian Education. Chad reflects on the true reason for the season, sharing: “Advent is a time that prepares my heart for the birth of our Lord. I remember as a kid I would get so excited when they brought out the advent candle and each week lit one more candle knowing that we were that much closer to Christmas! The Advent season is a reminder that Jesus has come and will come again!”
CTX junior Brooke Martin shares a meaningful reminder: “Advent is a reminder of the posture we should have for our Savior. We weren’t made to passively wait on our Lord. The advent season reminds me of the beauty that comes when we eagerly wait on the Lord’s perfect timing!”
Blessed Advent season ahead!