By the time you get this, we should be around half way through the second week of Advent- a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
When parents are expecting an addition to their family, they do a great deal of planning and preparation. Books are read, diapers are put on dolls, paint colors are examined, safety, feeding, and playtime and pacification items are selected and purchased. And that only scratches the surface!
An ancient Advent symbol, is that of the Advent Wreath. The wreath has four or five candles, and they each symbolize something else. The second candle- lit on the second Sunday of advent is the candle of preparation.
Certainly Mary and Joseph prepared as any parents would (though without modern conveniences, or intricacies!) as they expectantly awaited the arrival of Christ in the world. Just as any parents, I’m sure they got together supplies, advice from those they respected, and prepared a home for their fledgling family.
We too must prepare for the coming of Christ! I think we prepare for two different aspects of his coming. Firstly, His people are about preparing the world for His second coming. We do this by showing God to others and by inviting them to participate in the New Kingdom with us. Secondly, we prepare ourselves to welcome him in our own lives. We must continually prepare ourselves to hear, accept, and follow God’s calling in our lives.
This week, make strong efforts to prepare for the coming of Christ!
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