Preparing Our Hearts For Advent

Charlotte Mbwala is Cambridge Junior and Communication Intern.

12/17/18

The season of Advent aligns with the busiest commercial time of the year. It is busy with Christmas trees, elves, lights, gifts and holiday decorations. It can be difficult to focus on Advent during this pre-occupied time. Advent is a season of anticipation and the preparation for both the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming.  As Christians, we prepare for the Christ child by celebrating the season in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, perhaps one of the most significant seasons in the Christian calendar. How do we prepare our hearts and minds for Advent? Here are some helpful tips in preparation of this Advent season.

Prayer is an important part of spiritual life. In the midst of the holiday season, it is difficult to just stop and pray, especially with weeks filled with events and whatever else the holiday brings. First Thessalonians 5:17 states: “pray without ceasing,” which may seem impossible, but it is what we are called to do. Throughout the day we can come to God with thankfulness and prayer requests. It may seem hard at first, but prayer has to be established through habit, just like any other thing you want to achieve. Another way to prepare for Advent is to dedicate time each day to silence. This season, we are flooded with commercials and store ads left and right. We will not be prepared for the birth of Christ by the time it rolls around if we are too overwhelmed. Planning a silent time each day in Advent can be as simple as the first 5 minutes of your day or on drive to school or work. Finally, dive into Scripture readings for Advent. Scripture is one of the main ways we can strengthen our relationship with Christ. Throughout the weeks of Advent, one can meditate on Scripture as a way to prepare their heart and mind.

In order to be in the right mindset for this season, we need to make an effort to schedule time for prayer, silence and meditation. It is important that we do not forget the real reason why we celebrate this season of Advent. I will be partaking in these activities so that I can prepare my heart and mind for His birth and His second coming. Will you join me?