By Catherine Martinez
In many ways, getting our finances in order around the holidays means going back to basics and getting to the root of the true meaning of Christmas, which cultivates a heart of contentment. As a Christian, I believe the true meaning is the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. By celebrating Advent, we can intentionally prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day.
What is Advent?
Many people believe Advent is a time in December when we count down to Christmas Day with a fun calendar—but we wait for more than a day, we wait for a Person! Keep the calendar and fun, but add depth by taking time to reflect on your faith and live it out.
Advent, meaning “arrival,” is a four-week season leading up to Christmas, a time of remembrance and celebration of Jesus’ birth, as well as preparation and anticipation for His second coming. St. John Chrysostom said, “There are two advents of Christ: that which has been, and that which is to be.”
When Adam and Eve, the first humans, sinned in the Garden of Eden, humankind was separated from God, who is perfectly holy, and had to leave their garden home. But God loved us too much to let us stay trapped in sin, so He promised to send a Messiah who would save the world (Genesis 3:15; John 3:16).
For generations, God’s people waited for the Messiah. When the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, He was the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise to redeem humanity from the curse of sin.
Ideas for Celebration
The Christmas season is busy, but you can still create memories and focus your Advent celebration by developing traditions that share joy with others and deepen your faith. For instance, plan service projects like caroling at a nursing home, filling a food pantry or volunteering at your favorite organization. Consider throwing a birthday party for Jesus and inviting your friends, attending a live nativity, or finding a Christmas choral concert near you.
The traditional way to celebrate Advent is on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. In many churches, an Advent wreath with candles is lit each Sunday, with a fifth candle that is often lit on Christmas Eve to represent the holiness and purity of Christ. Each candle represents a different focus of the season.
Individual families can also bring this practice into their home, gathering for a weekly lighting of the candle and a biblical reflection. Here are some suggested readings if you would like to celebrate with your family.
Week 1: Hope
Bible Reading: Micah 5:2
Reflection: “Advent signifies the act of approaching, or of coming. The members of Christ’s mystic body, the church, however they may differ in external and nonessential points, yet are they all firmly united in this faith: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and, consequently, very God, of very God; that He came to visit us, in great humility; that He will come again, in the last day, to judge both the quick and the dead; and that life immortal is obtained for us, and shall be enjoyed by us, through Him only.” – Augustus Toplady
Christmas Carol: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Week 2: Peace
Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Reflection: “God knows no higher design than His own glory, and Christ’s coming into the world was for the accomplishment of that design. And man can desire no greater happiness than what follows, peace and goodwill: and both these are born into the world, together with Christ.” – Ezekiel Hopkins
Christmas Carol: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Week 3: Joy
Bible Reading: Galatians 4:4-5
Reflection: “Revere the enrollment on account of which you were written in heaven, and adore the birth by which you were loosed from the chains of your birth, and honor little Bethlehem, which has led you back to Paradise.” – Gregory of Nazianzus
Christmas Carol: Joy to the World
Week 4: Love
Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-14
Reflection: “It avails you little that Christ is born, or that Christ died, unless unto you a Child is born, and for you Jesus bled. A personal interest in the birth, life, and death of Christ is the main point for each one of us.” – Charles Spurgeon
Christmas Carol: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
This Advent, let’s take time to reflect and be grateful for the miracle of Jesus’ birth and His redemption.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine is a full-time copywriter for a nonprofit organization and a freelance writer. She spends her days writing, chasing toddlers and learning how to master her money. Catherine lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and their two young children.
