A Celebration of Jesus - My Everyday Life

Three regular days, Christmas Eve and then Christmas! It’s almost here, but never too soon to celebrate – a celebration of Jesus our Lord.

The Advent is a celebration leading up to the birthday of Jesus. Let the celebrations begin. — Photo by Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

I thought we could reflect, as some of you have already been doing, on the Advent Season. It’s in the final part of the countdown as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Just like some feel that we get distracted by all the Christmas hubbub, I feel people can get caught up in the actions associated with the tradition, and in doing so, might miss the reason altogether.

Stay Focused on Jesus

As you know, things like Advent, The Twelve Days, and other events and ceremonies are meant to be something that celebrates and recognizes Jesus. It puts into perspective our everyday-walking-around-kind-of-life with Him.

It’s like celebrating a best friend (significant other or spouse) and special events surrounding them that recognize how special their relationship is to us – birthdays, anniversaries. Carmen and I met 18 years and 8 days ago on Dec. 14 in person. After meeting online!

Jesus and I met 41 years, 8 months, and 20 days ago. So we all celebrate our life events together….me, Carmen and Jesus.

I AM Here!

So the Advent Season is a way for any of us to do that in our relationship with Jesus. It is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth – but don’t forget, He’s already right here with us. He’s already been born…it’s His birthday! So it’s a celebration of His birth and life. Don’t make Jesus say, “Hey, I am right here. You are talking about me but I’m right here with you!” 😊

The Advent

So the Advent Season, how does it work? It starts four Sundays before Christmas, so there are four weeks of the season or celebration. One of the most symbolic parts of it is the Advent Wreath and Candles. It’s meant to be a reminder of life, a reminder of how it all came down to Jesus. So here’s an overview:

Week 1

The wreath is made (or bought) with evergreens that reflect life and is a circle representing the never-ending (eternal) life. The lighting of the first candle takes place. The candle is purple and represents the prophets and prophecies about Jesus and the hope we have in this.

Jeremiah 23:5-6 niv

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David[a] a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.

Week 2

– The second candle, purple as well, is lit and represents Joseph and Mary’s journey. More on this in the next blog post.

Week 3

– The third candle is pink and is the “Shepherd’s Candle” and represents joy as His coming nears.

Luke 2:15 NIV

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Week 4

– The fourth, and traditionally the last candle lit (some light a fifth candle), is another purple candle for the final week focused on prayer and forgiveness as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace, “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

Psalm 130:4 NIV

But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Advent Season Ideas:

During the Advent Season, you can get creative in your preparation by practicing your walk with Jesus in ways most don’t usually do, then keep doing it all year round – that way it’s more of a relationship instead of the religious liturgy.

Light a fifth candle. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is used for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.
An Advent Calendar with good deeds listed to do for each day:
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken with
- Visit a neighbor who lives alone
- Bring something special to your local homeless shelter
- Say a prayer for a different person each day

Putting up a Christmas tree
Lighting a Christingle
Putting up Christmas decorations
Another category for focus is music – this can really bring it home.
- A good way of focusing:

Happy Birthday Jesus!

So this all, the Advent Season, culminates on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is the final day of preparation before the day of His birth. And now we are prepared mentally and our relationship with Jesus is appropriately focused. Now, the day of Christmas, the day he was born 2000 years ago, is celebrated throughout the lands.

Our Lord, our King, our Savior, our friend! Let the festivities continue. A celebration of Jesus. A life certainly worth celebrating. The life of Jesus Christ.

Challenge of the Week:

What one thing can you do today to focus on Jesus and His upcoming birthday? Check your Advent Season list (even if you have to make up steps). Surprise someone with a phone call or visit, or donate to a Christ-centered cause. I think that’s the gift Jesus would want for His birthday. Do something that will bring a smile to His face. 😊 So be it!