Every year Christmas seems to arrive faster, like a train thundering into the station before we’ve even packed our bags. We rush, we shop, we scroll and then sigh, "Did I really encounter Christ this Christmas?"
Pause. Prepare. Pay attention.
That’s why we have Advent. Advent is the church’s gentle yet insistent whisper: Pause. Prepare. Pay attention.
It’s not a dull countdown; it’s a divine wake-up call, a reminder that Someone is coming. Advent is God’s way of saying, "Don’t just rush to the cradle—prepare your heart for the King."
1. Advent is preparation for the coming King
The word "Advent" means "coming". It looks back to Bethlehem where Jesus came as a baby, and forward to the day he will return as King. It prepares us spiritually and emotionally to receive Christ again. John the Baptist cried, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him" (Mark 1:3 NIV). Advent is that call. It clears the clutter and tunes the heart and soul before the Christmas song begins.
Advent isn’t a countdown, it’s a call-up.
Every great celebration requires preparation. You wouldn’t host a wedding without planning; how much more should we prepare for the arrival of the Bridegroom, Jesus? Advent isn’t a countdown, it’s a call-up.
2. Advent is protection for the heart of Christmas
Let’s be honest, Christmas can easily lose Christ. The so-called "festive season" bulldozes its way through December until we collapse wondering what just happened.
Advent stands guard at the door of December. It slows the pace and centers the heart. It reminds us that the greatest gift isn’t under the tree, it’s the One who hung upon the tree.
Paul wrote, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2 NIV). Advent renews us so that Christmas doesn’t just happen around us, it happens within us.
Don’t just decorate your home, dedicate your heart.
The world decorates for Christmas; disciples prepare for Christ. Don’t just decorate your home, dedicate your heart.
3. Advent is proclamation—heaven’s great announcement
In every shopping center there are endless announcements about sales or parking. But one announcement often goes unheard: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:11 NIV)
Advent is heaven’s loudspeaker.
Advent is heaven’s loudspeaker saying, "Listen – the King is coming!" It reminds us that the baby in the manger was not merely born to bring peace but to bear a cross, and that he will come again.
Advent declares both comfort and challenge:
Be comforted—he came.
Be challenged—he’s coming again.
The first coming was in humility; the next will be in majesty.
The first was in mercy; the next will be in glory.
The first was to save; the next will be to reign.
The manger makes sense only when we remember the throne.
4. Advent is invitation—heaven knocking at your door
Advent is not only about Christ’s coming then or soon, it’s about his coming now. Jesus said: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
This is the season to come home.
Advent is that knock, God’s personal invitation. This is the season to come home, not just to family but to the Father.
Don’t miss him by being too busy preparing for him.
Don’t fill your diary and empty your soul.
Don’t just wrap presents—receive his presence.
Awake the wonder
Advent slows our hurried hearts and rekindles our wonder—the wonder of God stepping into human skin, heaven’s light piercing earth’s darkness.
As candles are lit and carols are sung, breathe and believe: Christ has come, Christ is here and Christ will come again.
Advent says he came once to save us; he’s coming again to claim us.
A prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, as I wait this Advent, awaken my soul to your wonder. Prepare me for your coming, cleanse my thoughts and calm my heart. Protect me from the busyness that buries your light. Proclaim your truth through me to a world that’s forgotten to listen.
And when you knock, may I open the door wide and welcome you in. Come to me, shine your light through me and come again in glory. Amen.
Originally published by Philo Trust. Republished with permission.
J.John is an evangelist, minister, speaker, broadcaster and writer. He has been in ministry for four decades. He has spoken in towns, cities and universities in 69 countries, establishing Philo Trust in 1982 to organize his various evangelistic ministry offerings. J.John’s weekly podcast, The J.John Podcast, features a range of interviews with Christians from all walks of life and talks by J.John. Click here to listen. J.John’s books are available to order via jjohn.com or through other online or physical bookshops.
Philo Trust was established by J.John in 1982 to organize evangelistic events and projects, equip Christians to naturally share their faith, mentor evangelists, and produce books and resources to help people in their journey of faith.
