I have never understood or even known what Advent was about. I always thought it was only a Catholic tradition, but this year, I really felt like I should take part in Advent. It felt right and I felt the Lord urging me to study and learn. In that urging, I found that it was just about seeking the Lord, and eagerly awaiting Jesus' return. Simple. I was assured that this was going to be a precursor to what was to come with my relationship with the Lord.
Here's one of the days in Advent that I studied and some personal thoughts and prayer as my response.
Matthew 1-- Thoughts on the chapter:
Joseph going against all customs, all cultural expectations, all social norms, and all moral norms to marry a woman. How did he obey the angel of the Lord so immediately? I have the tendency to wait so long...would I have done the same in a situation such as that? Even if I were Mary? He even had the utmost respect for her. He knew the weight of what was being done, he was given that full insight. That is beautiful and his obedience helped give us a Savior.
"Make a plan to do something ridiculous that you know God wants you to do."
God- what would you have me do? My first inclination is to abandon all else and just seek you in this time of Advent. To use the little free time I have to actually dedicate and submit to you. I lack discipline, I so extremely lack it. That is my weakness...Father I so desperately need you all sufficient grace to help me. Perfect my weakness, but keep me humble and seeking You always. You are the One I desire...You are the One I adore. I want to give You my time, my intention, and my love. I again Father God, ask for Your courage, to focus on You and what I need, not what I want in the moment. Be my sustenance. Sustain me Lord God. I need You so much. This life is not worth it without You in mine, without You taking up all that I am. Abba, continue to teach me in this Advent time, more of rediscovering why this Christmas season is all about, more of discovering who You are, and who I am. I love you dear.