Receive the Gift of Advent Every Moment of Your Life

Decision-making is hard, and it’s a process I never enjoy. Now, we’ve reached the stage in life when we’re bearing witness to the decisions of our sons and their families, which is really a spectator sport—unless we get invited onto the field to share an opinion. Buying a house or a car, changing jobs, or saying yes or no to ministry opportunities: these are all occasions that require more light and wisdom than I feel capable of producing on my own.

That’s why I need Advent!

As I read the stories of those who faithfully waited for God’s promised Deliverer, and as I pay attention to the way Jesus showed up in the world, I see that wherever he went, Light followed him. His friend John didn’t have much to say about the Christmas story as we know it with shepherds and angels and cattle, but he dipped his pen into the image of light:

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)

While it is absolutely true that Jesus arrived in a body at a particular time in history and a specific geographical location, it is also true that he arrives every single moment in the life of the believer. We get to rejoice in three actual arrivals of Jesus:

1. His first Advent in Bethlehem happened two thousand years ago.
2. His second Advent has been promised, but only the Father knows when he will come.
3. His faithful presence is the gift we receive moment by moment.

He comes to us, and inherent in the gift of himself is the gift of Light. His knowledge of me and his presence with me bring understanding and freedom. As the psalmist said, “In his light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)

I am full of shadows, but he is the Light of the World.
I see through a glass, darkly, but he has the full view.

Advent tutors me in the understanding that I need not fear the unknown, the decision-making process, or my own blind spots and shortcomings. By his Spirit, Jesus will come into my cloud of unknowing—not with pat answers or the easy fix I might wish for, but with reassurance that he is there and that wisdom is available as I follow the Light of his Word.

“Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.”¹

Jesus comes to us, and inherent in the gift of himself is the gift of Light. His knowledge of me and his presence with me bring understanding and freedom.

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Holding You in the Light,

1. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ↩︎

Advent Series 2025

Looking for a Devotional Plan for Your Advent Season?

This four-part series for Advent features Isaiah’s prophecy of a coming Messiah. Together, we remember that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor with Supernatural Wisdom. He is our Mighty God, unlimited in His Ability to do what He wills. He is the compassionate Everlasting Father, the Giver of good gifts, and Jesus is the Fountain of deep well-being, our Prince of Peace. CLICK HERE to begin reading.

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