A guest post by OBO writer Jo
Advent.
When I think of the word, I think of my older sister hiding in the corner during giant, much-too-loud holiday parties, reading over an old book.
“Whatcha reading?” I’d ask.
“It’s about Advent.”
“What’s that?”
“That’s the season of waiting for Jesus to come to earth.”
“Isn’t that Christmas?”
Eventually, she got it sorted in my brain, but that was pretty much the only exposure either of us had to the idea. Most everyone we knew of basked in the festivities, the food, the fun, the fellowship, and seemed to leave Jesus and the reason for His coming in the manger where it would stay. And that’s not uncommon in our culture.
We’re not too keen on waiting. We want it here, we want it now, and we want it to be magnificent.
But doing that only skims the richness of celebrating the birth of Christ, and barely even touches just how beautiful, just how special, just how simple, and soft, and quiet Christ’s arrival really was.
As for the book my sister was reading, I eventually picked it up years later and found myself taking everything to heart. It was an Advent study, and I didn’t know that at that time. While I can’t remember the title of that book, and I’m more than sure I never will, here are some studies that you can get to help you wait (with eager longing) (the eager part is key) for the celebration of the coming of Christ.
1.
“Experience the Christmas season anew this year by studying Advent, why we celebrate it, and how it fuels our worship of Jesus. Understand the anticipation and waiting the Old Testament world endured, the joy and new life signaled by the coming of Christ, and the way Advent points to the glory of God still to come.”
This one is a little on the hefty side, but great for groups and friends who want to study together.
2.
“A sacred season is about to unfold for three women whose hearts belong to God.
Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God’s Son. Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts.
Following in their footsteps, you too can prepare for the Savior to enter your heart, your mind, and your life in a vibrant, new way. Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs explores the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, unwrapping each verse with tender care and introducing you afresh to The Women of Christmas.”
Reading about the women of the Bible is always incredible to read, and reading about the women influential in the story of Christ’s arrival is just as much, if not even more so. (Fun fact: If you ever wonder why God picked Mary, of all women, to bear the Messiah, not only did Mary possess a heart for the Lord, but her lineage, like Joseph, links back to King David himself, making Mary hidden royalty.) (Was that related? Not necessarily. Is it important? I’d like to think so.)
3.
“Our Luke and 1 Samuel Study Guides come with:
- an eight-day study, How to Study God’s Word, teaching eight different techniques to implement while reading Scripture
- a five-week study, Coming of the Promise: An Advent Study in the Gospel of Luke, to help prepare your heart for Christmas by Luke’s testimony of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection
- a seven-week study, Messy Monarchs: A Look at 1 Samuel, walks through the entirety of Israel’s first go-around of having a king to show our daily need for Christ to be the King of hearts”
I’m eager to check this out with a friend or three, especially since it’s geared toward beauty-loving, truth seeking people like you and me.
I hope these helped in any way at all, and as you wait with eager longing, that you find your longing satisfied with Christ—the reason for the season (and these studies!) in the first place.
4.
In this study you’ll find:
- 4 weeks of daily in-depth Bible study that looks at the prophets, Jesus’ birth and Revelation
- Daily questions to prepare your heart for the season and discuss with your community
- Weekly theme messages
- Instructions on how to celebrate this study WITH community
- Weekly recipes to bring together your community
- Invitations to practice spiritual disciplines each week
- A guide to make your own Advent wreath
This one is printable which is super handy and just $8!
