1 John 1:4 We write this to make our joy complete.
Yesterday was the beginning of the Advent season. And it shows us the great contrast between a Christian's strategy for joy and the world's strategy. The world's strategy starts with Black Friday. In many ways Black Friday has become the official start of the Christmas celebration. The retailers promise that if you purchase stuff you will discover joy. The world's strategy to joy is to "consume."
But for Christians our joy strategy is very different. The weeks leading up to Christmas day are called Advent. This word comes from the Latin "adventus" which means coming. Advent is about preparing our hearts to greet our King. It is a time for both looking back to Jesus' first coming and looking forward to His second coming in glory.
The Christian's strategy for joy is to "contemplate." Our Advent begins with an honest appraisal of our need for a Savior.
The apostle John, who was an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, said He came to provide a remedy for sin. Jesus' appearance has freed us from the power of sin. And those who contemplate will find forgiveness and, ultimately, joy in life.
So I encourage you to make this Advent season special. Reject the pull of the culture to consume and make room for contemplation.
Each day of Advent, set aside a special place to sit and read God's word for 10 minutes. Then take 4 minutes to pray on your knees. Finally write down one sentence of truth God has taught you. These 15 minutes of contemplation will change your life.
We are also setting aside Thursday as a day of prayer and fasting. This Advent, join the conspiracy and determine to prepare your heart for the true meaning of Christmas.
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