Source: Eleganza / Getty
Christmas Day is getting closer and closer but before we unwrap any presents (or brave the post office to send said presents), it’s important to remember the reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ. That’s what Advent is for.
Throughout the month of December in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas Day, it’s tradition for some Christians to celebrate the Advent season, a time of preparation and reflection on what Jesus coming to earth meant in Biblical times and what it should mean to us today.
Advent Week 4: Love Is in the Air
Lighting an Advent Wreath is a common form of celebration. On a traditional advent wreath, there are four candles of different colors that represent the four pillars of advent, virtues that we should remember and embody in the days leading up to Christmas. On the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the fourth candle is lit. This last purple candle is called the “Angel Candle” because in the story of the first Christmas, angels play an important role.
The angel Gabriel appears before Mary telling her that she would conceive and give birth to the savior and “shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Gabriel later appears to Joseph and gives him reassurance and peace. An angel announces Jesus’ birth to the shepherds who travel to praise the newborn savior. And later another angel appears to Joseph warning him of King Herod’s plot to kill baby Jesus (Matthew 2:13).
RELATED: What is Advent Season and How Do You Celebrate It?
Every time an angel appears in the Christmas story, they say “do not be afraid.” The angels make it clear that God does not intend to cause us harm. The angels are the messengers of God’s love and protection and we can still rest in that love and protection because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus.
And so during the Advent season, we celebrate His birth and remember all He taught us during His time on earth.
As we countdown the rest of the way to Christmas Day, let advent remind us that Christmas is about more than trees, lights, and expensive gifts. This is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and honor His sacrifice.
We honor Christ by living the four pillars of advent throughout December and throughout our lives. We have hope in Jesus’ promise to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. We feel at peace knowing our prayers for protection and provisions will be answered by God. We spread joy through good works and through our boundless praise. And we remember God’s greatest commandment that we love God and love one another as God has loved us (Matthew 22:37).
God gave us the greatest gift of love on Christmas with the birth of His son, better than any gift we can find under a tree. Remember the reason for the season and spread love this Christmas day and everyday from now on.
DON’T MISS…
Holiday Budget Hacks: Stress-Free Spending for a Joyful Season
100 Activities to Try This Winter
3 Family Friendly Games to Play This Holiday Season
10 Songs to Add to Your Christmas Workout Playlist
Holiday Movies to Binge Watch This December
