First Things, First!—

In our first article on Advent, we looked at the reasons why the Church reserves Advent as an important part of the Church calendar. In Advent, we prepare our hearts by remembering Jesus’s first coming, and we look hopefully to His second coming. We are reminded to lay aside the busyness and clinging to idols that only leave us anxious and empty. In this article, we ask and then will try to answer the natural follow-up question of “How?” The historicity is all well and good but, as Robert Burns wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

Personally, I feel giddy when boundaries are established and formulas are given that promise to  ensure success. So, I will be the first to say to you—and to myself—stop! Stop the planning and the doing and the striving and be still. Remember, Advent is a time to behold the mystery and wonder of our Savior, come to us as a baby, and then to anticipate His return as the King, mighty in glory and victory! Stillness must be our first posture for these sweet days of Advent. And God will call to us in the stillness as we listen to and obey His words, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Next, examine what natural rhythms or experiences tend to find you catching your breath and recognizing God’s handiwork? For me, it is quiet time by myself on a morning walk. The stillness of the morning amplifies each unique sunrise. For a friend, it is a long-distance texting relationship with a godly mentor who encourages her to see God and His truths in her life. What about our children? Where do they behold God? Music often brings His words and love to life in the smallest of hearts. Late night prayers with a teenager can settle their minds from the day and refocus their hearts to their God, seated on His throne. So, the first “to-do” should be to be still before God and pay attention to these times and experiences that He uses to focus our hearts and minds on Him. Then, pray for steadfastness to set apart that time for God, being still and learning from Him.

Then, let us open Scripture. God-breathed Scripture is full of beautiful prophecies and stories about Jesus’s coming: His birth, His life, and His resurrection. What ways work best in your home to saturate your own heart and your family’s hearts in Scripture? Are you in the sweet (but exhausting!) season of preschool-aged children where your evenings tend to be at home as a family? An evening reading of brief Advent devotionals might be the best fit. Maybe you have a blended family and the weeks are split, with your children not in your home every day. Writing small notes with Christmas verses or hymns that can be opened daily, even when they’re not with you, can magnify the importance of the season in your child’s heart. Or what about the exciting and busy season of the teenage years? Utilize the daily drives to practices, games, or organizations by listening to a podcast together (The Gospel Coalition and 1517 have great, biblically based options.) and then discuss what held meaning to your child and then to you. Ask God for wisdom and discernment on what best fits your family and your family’s current rhythms of life. Then rest, be still, and wait upon His guidance. When He reveals His answers to you, praise Him for His love and faithfulness and then prayerfully strive to add His answers into your life and home. God is a good Father whose gifts are abundant. This Advent season, find stillness, ask God to be present in your home, read Scripture, and rejoice for the wonderful gift of His Son, the Savior of the World.