Historically, the Christian church has devoted the month of December to celebrating Advent (from the Latin adventus, which means “coming, arrival”). The first Advent was Jesus’ birth: when God himself took on flesh as a humble baby, born in a dirty stable. For centuries upon centuries, the Old Testament saints had anticipated the Messiah’s arrival. We, too, are saints who anticipate the Messiah’s second arrival. Jesus’ next Advent will come when he returns at the end of the age, not as a poor, humble carpenter, but as a warrior King who rescues his friends and slaughters his foes.
As we celebrate Jesus’ first arrival, and anticipate his second, join me, and millions of other Christians around the globe, in purposeful and intentional daily reflection on the wonders and glories of the gospel. Below are a few options for daily Scripture/devotional readings.
- Good News of Great Joy (from Desiring God)
- 2012 Advent Devotional (from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminar
- Advent with the Jesus Storybook Bible (from Home with the Boys)