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Be Still - Advent Thoughts

*This was first posted November 29, 2008.
Sunday, November 30, 2008, is the first Sunday in Advent.

During Advent, we focus on the "coming" of Christ -- past, present, and future.

Jesus came to us in the past as the Christmas story of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem unfolds.

Jesus comes to us today through His Word and Sacrament.

Jesus will come to us in the future at a time known as His "Second Coming."

This weekend also focuses on the beginning of the Christmas holiday season. With Black Friday, the shopping season is ushered in. Decorations and Christmas trees begin to go up. Holiday lights are displayed in parks.

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we must not forget to focus on what advent is to us daily. Do you know of any ways to keep advent a focus in your family?

When the boys were little, I actually made a little advent tree with ornaments. We put another ornament on it each day as we read the devotion. I even made a small advent wreath to light as we did the devotion.

This verse, "Be still, and know that I am God," is such a wonderful promise of God to be reminded of at the start of Advent. With all the extra to-do's and busyness, all the striving to get things done, if I remember to stay calm, be still, and let God, everything will be all right. He will take care of everything for me.

I don't have to be perfect as I wrap gifts, perform in activities, or do all that is about the holiday season in order to be loved by Him. All I have to do is live for Him during this holiday season and He will be smiling down on me.

I found this cool video at YouTube called "I can't believe it's Christmas." The music is beautiful. In the lyrics, it indicates "It's time to decorate your home, but wouldn't it be so much easier if it did it on it's own." Wouldn't this be a great way to start the holiday in stillness?