6 Advent Prayers to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas

In the flurry of activities during the holiday season, it is easy to lose focus. We fail to reflect on the amazing events that Christmas celebrates. Yes, the songs praising the infant Christ might be on our lips, but our hearts are set on other things. As it is, the decorations must be hung, the cookies baked, and gifts bought.

But, oh, what wonder there is if we would allow ourselves to pause from our frantic doing and remember. To remember the angel announcing the good news of Jesus’ birth to young Mary, who stood in awe at the words (Luke 1:26-38). To remember the group of shepherds as they stood under lights and singing angels who proclaimed the Savior’s coming (Luke 2:8-16). Or, to remember the Magi traveling to the home of Mary and Joseph to stare with wonder at the King of kings (Matthew 2:9-11). At Christmas, the One who is greater than all came into the world, and only a few perceived it.

May we not make the same mistake in our holiday hurry. Instead, the Bible invites us to come and behold the Savior who is God with us – King of glory who humbled Himself to be born of a lowly virgin and placed in a manger. Let us be reawakened to the wonder of this season.

Great God who became flesh and dwelt among us, enliven me again to the awe of what You did all those years ago. You became like us in every way, though without sin, so that You could rescue us from slavery to sin. Make Your Word fresh to me again, so that I can approach this Christmas with wonder. I do not want to overlook this event as so many others did at that time, but to be like Mary who marveled at the events and treasured them in her heart, or the wise men who sought You in worship. I praise You, Immanuel.

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/svetikd

One of the candles we light during Advent is known as the peace candle. Typically, this candle is lit during the second week, and together believers reflect on the theme of peace during Christmas. Through the symbolic representation of this candle, we are invited to reflect on what it meant when the angels announced peace at the birth of the Messiah.

In addition to being the promised King in the line of David, Jesus is also the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). His coming marked the dawn of salvation when individuals could be reconciled with the Father. Ever since the fall of the first humans, people have lived in rebellion against the Lord. We are far away from God in our sin, unable to return to Him on our own. That is why God the Son came as a human to bridge the gap between us and the Father. He died to save us, and thus, we can have a restored relationship with God. As Romans 5:1 says, “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The peace of Christ also refers to the inner quiet and rest we can receive by living in Him, even if our outward lives are chaotic. He promised the disciples that they would have a peace that was different than that of the world – a peace that would ease their troubled hearts (John 14:27). We receive this peace when we entrust our worries to God and offer Him thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). Such a gift is the reason the angels could proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”(Luke 2:14).

Thank You for bringing me near when I was far away, O Prince of Peace. Remind me again of Your mercies, of the great gap You crossed in order to bring us back in fellowship with the Father. And as I reflect on the reconciliation You bought by Your precious blood, may I remember that the peace You provide also includes a restful spirit despite the circumstances surrounding me. In You, my soul can be still and quiet. Help me to share that peace with others this Christmas.

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/498770312

Christmas carols often include lyrics that ask for the Savior to come, or express joy at His coming. People often interpret these songs as relating only to Jesus’ first coming, as if we are looking back at those days when faithful Israel was patiently awaiting her Messiah. These carols often include the first coming of Jesus, but they also anticipate His return. When we sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” our thoughts should turn to both Advents, one looking back and the other forward.

Those Israelites who longed for the consolation of Israel in the first century were holding on to the promises of Scripture. Hope was what sustained them in their patient vigil. And that is what we need today, to receive renewed hope based on the assurance that our Lord is coming soon. This eschatological teaching is meant to provide us comfort in grief, and encouragement to keep going (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We hope as we pray, “Come Lord Jesus”(Revelation 22:20).

Scripture repeatedly teaches us that when the second coming is our focus and hope, we live more faithfully in the interim. We become like Simeon and Anna, those faithful followers who patiently waited and anticipated the coming Messiah even as they lived and worked for the glory of God in the present (Luke 2:25-38).

The hope this season offers is not wishful or positive thinking. Rather, it is a tangible hope found in a living Savior who came to save us and is coming again (1 Peter 1:3).

Lord, instruct me to wait patiently and expectantly for Your return. As I do, renew my hope so that I am sustained by Your promises, which I can grip like a strong anchor in a storm. Stir in me the same faithfulness that marked the lives of Your servants Simeon and Anna, who anticipated Your coming and rejoiced when they saw the fulfillment of their hope: You, Lord Jesus. Guide me in this Advent season and teach me the holy work of waiting so that I persist in doing good and do not give up. In Your name, I pray.

Amen.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Mira Kemppainen

What’s the greatest present you ever received for Christmas?

Lots of us had a specific toy we cherished in childhood, or a beloved heirloom that was given to us as a keepsake to remember a loved one. As wonderful as these gifts are, and as much as we should joyfully receive such blessings, the greatest gift was placed in a manger, not a box. God the Father sent His Son into the world to save us from sin and death and give us eternal life (John 3:16). No other present can compare to what the Lord gives us.

If we read the gospel accounts, we find the theme of radical generosity surrounds the birth of Jesus. The Father gave us His Son. The Son gave us His life. In this same spirit, Mary offered her body as a vessel to bear Christ (Luke 1:38). Joseph willingly set aside his assumptions about the pregnant virgin and offered his hand and heart in marriage (Matthew 1:24). The Magi gave costly and prophetic gifts (Matthew 2:11).

We also can imitate our Lord by cultivating a spirit of generosity, not only in giving physical items but in sharing our resources, time, and talents with others. Christ taught that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Making an intention of giving to others this Advent can help us join the Lord in His ongoing kindness toward humanity in making the good news known.

Giver of life and salvation, cultivate within me a spirit of generosity. You gave Your very life to wash me clean of my sins and make me a new creation. How can I not but live with a focus on giving? Especially during this Advent season, help me to follow the example of those who gave of themselves to serve You: of those like Mary, Joseph, and the wise men. But ultimately, may I imitate Your radical love and kindness by sharing what I have with others. For You said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Bogdan Kurylo

Celebrating Christmas during dark times may seem pointless to us – even badly misplaced. What good is there in going through the motions of observing Advent, lighting candles, and planning a celebration for Christmas if all that we see around us is suffering and loss?

Though it may seem like a contradiction, we need the celebration of Christmas in times of hardship. When we light the candles on the Advent wreath and decorate with Christmas lights, we provide ourselves with a physical reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). He came into this fallen world full of evil, but the darkness could not overcome Him (John 1:4-5). The coming of the Messiah brought hope to those who were in despair, and He continues to do this, illuminating our lives by His presence even when life is bleak (Isaiah 9:2;Luke 1:78-79).

The imagery of light in the Bible is rich with the symbolism of God’s presence. In the Tabernacle and Temple, the lampstand or menorah was lit to serve as a reminder to the Israelites that the Lord was with them (Exodus 27:20-21). The small flames would have made the Israelites think of the great pillar of fire and cloud that represented the protective presence of God as He led them through the wilderness. Jesus said that He is that light, for He is the Word made flesh to live among us (John 1:14).

Light of the world, there are times when the darkness of the world blinds me to Your goodness and love. All I see is the suffering near and far that leaves me wondering what there is to celebrate in a world where people are hurting. But that provides a greater reason for me to seek tangible reminders of Your kindness and to reflect on what Your first coming means for individuals today. The darkness did not win; the Dawn came, bringing brightness to the world of shadow and death. As I celebrate Advent and Christmas, may I be reminded of Your& presence. You still illuminate the darkness and guide our way. In Your name, Jesus, I pray.

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Gyro

Amid the wrapped presents, decorations, and festive gatherings, people may forget what the holiday is about. Why do believers meet to sing about an infant being born in Bethlehem? Or host live nativities, recreating the announcement of the angels to the shepherds and their visit to the newborn King? What could have compelled God to send us His one and only Son? What is Christmas truly about?

Love.

Long before anyone ever loved the Lord, He loved us (1 John 4:19). Love is inherent to His character, as much a part of who He is as His holiness and justice. And the proof of that is shown in Jesus entering the world and dying for us on the cross (Romans 5:8). As our Lord said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

The love He gave, in turn, makes followers of Christ love Him. We are meant to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength – with every part of who we are (Mark 12:30-31). Which is why Scripture encourages us to meditate on God’s Word and to intentionally remember what He has done. Preparing our hearts for Christmas helps us develop this wholehearted love, a love that is greater than any we could ever know and that overflows into the lives of others.

Lord, You are the everlasting God who is full of compassion and mercy. Love is central to who You are, and Your love endures forever. In response to this great gift, may I continually grow more in love with You. Work in me to spread Your gift to others this season and beyond, helping them learn why You sent Your Son into the world on that first Christmas. And use every part of my life to serve others so they may glorify You, the compassionate and gracious God. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Matthew Fournier