I so enjoy the season of Advent and all it represents, don’t you? I’m convinced that much of it has to do with the preparation for His arrival. But its not even so much about us preparing ourselves, but about The Holy One tenderly preparing us for His arrival. It’s the kind of preparation born of love, that fills our hearts with eager expectancy. If we’re able to really lean into it, we might sense a deep, sweet peace, and the glow of a gentle consuming joy in anticipation of His coming. The sensation reminiscent of the feeling I experienced during one of my fondest childhood memories. I was about three years old. It was the Christmas season, and my parents awakened me early in the wee hours of the morning. There was the warm glow of lamplight enveloping the brimming excitement all around us, as my parents got my brother and me ready for something unknown to come. My mother lovingly dressed me in the perfect yellow chiffon dress with a can can skirt and matching cardigan, white socks, and black patent leather shoes – you know the kind with the strap across … Something special and exciting was happening, and with suitcases lining up at the front door, it quickly became clear that we were being whisked away on some surprise adventure. We were driven to the airport, and I boarded my very first flight to visit relatives. The element that resonates most with the season of Advent for me was the quiet joy that came from the extra special time and attention from my mom, and the soft warm glow of the bedroom light embracing us as we prepared. It was as though it heralded the coming of something wonderful. 

Interestingly re-reading the account of the arrival of The Savior in Luke chapter 1 (something I’m sure you may enjoy doing as well this time of year as well), I noticed some things about the preparation for the Christ Child’s arrival that I hadn’t paid much attention to before, for example:

1) Zacharias’s preparation – The angel, Gabriel appeared to him to announce the miraculous conception and birth of his son John while he was faithfully executing the duties of his Priestly office – burning incense in the temple. Luke 1:1-12 (Actually Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth’s faithfulness, and God’s regard for them as “blameless” had left a significant impression on me previously, but it’s worth recounting here).

2) John’s preparation – Not only will John’s character and conduct be designed and prepared beforehand (for his earthly assignment: “turning many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God … and making ready a people prepared for The Lord”), but most notably “he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.” Luke 1:15-17. Wow! How had I not noticed this before? an indwelling of The Holy Spirit that preceded Pentecost – clearly an essential element among those events that paved the way for the arrival of The Messiah.

3) Elizabeth’s preparation – We’re familiar with Gabriel’s pronouncement of the immaculate conception to a Virgin called Mary in whom God had found favor. That was of course a key part of Mary’s preparation, but someone had to be prepared to receive the Savior – and Elizabeth was the first, by the power of The Holy Ghost. “And it came to pass, that, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Luke 1:39-42. She recognizes the presence of the Christ Child, erupts in praise, then this beautiful, powerful, spirit-filled, anointed shared confession takes place between. her and Mary.

4) The People’s preparation –  God’s work of preparation is so multi-dimensional. If we look closely we might see that He also began preparing the heart and minds of the people even prior to John’s wilderness proclamations. You might even say a seed was planted when the people witnessed the miracle of a formerly barren Elizabeth’s pregnancy, then John’s birth, and the reversal of Zacharias’ mute condition (resulting from his obedience to God’s instruction via Gabriel: and naming of his son “John”). Luke 1:57-66

5) Preparation for John’s Ministry – Once Zacharias’ condition was reversed, he publicly praised God. Shortly afterward he was filled with The Holy Ghost, and prophesied over the people concerning the Lord’s salvation, forgiveness of sin, renewal of The ancient Covenant, and their redemption. Luke 1 64-79. And the scripture concludes with this:

 “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.” Luke 1:78-80

Some overarching preparation themes that jump out at me are: Prepared vessels, Chosen vessels, The work of The Holy Spirit, Obedience, Thanksgiving, Praise, Confession and Proclamation. What’s your take on Luke’s account?  What themes were revealed to you? What are some of your Advent preparations?

Original Photo by P.Hearing