Advent Reflections

Advent is a season of hope, anticipation, and preparation for the coming of Christ. It is a time to recall our faith history, to renew our longing for the Savior, and to rejoice in His presence among us. Advent is also a time to reflect on how we can live out our Christian calling in a broken world that needs God’s light and love.

In this blog , I will share some Advent reflections based on the scripture readings for each Sunday of Advent. I hope these reflections will inspire you to deepen your relationship with Christ and to share His hope with others.

First Sunday of Advent: Hope in God’s Promise

The first reading for this Sunday is from the prophet Isaiah, who speaks of a vision of peace and harmony among all nations, when they will “beat their swords into plowshares” and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation” (Isaiah 2:4). This vision is a promise of God’s future reign, when He will establish justice and righteousness on earth. The psalmist echoes this hope, asking God to “let your face shine, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3). The gospel reading from Matthew warns us to “stay awake” and “be prepared” for the coming of the Son of Man, who will judge the living and the dead (Matthew 24:42-44).

How can we live in hope of God’s promise in this Advent season? We can start by acknowledging the brokenness of our world, where there is still violence, injustice, and suffering. We can also confess our own sins and shortcomings, and ask God for forgiveness and healing. We can then pray for God’s kingdom to come, and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We can also look for signs of God’s presence and action in our lives and in the world, and thank Him for His grace and mercy. Finally, we can prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, by reading His word, listening to His voice, and following His commands.

Second Sunday of Advent: Peace in God’s Presence

The second reading for this Sunday is from the letter of Paul to the Romans, who greets them with “grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). He also prays that they may be “filled with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). The gospel reading from Matthew introduces John the Baptist, who proclaims “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). He also prepares the way for Jesus, who will baptize with “the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

How can we experience peace in God’s presence in this Advent season? We can first repent of our sins and turn away from anything that separates us from God. We can then receive His forgiveness and grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. We can also invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with His power and gifts, to help us live as children of God. We can also seek God’s presence in prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. We can also share God’s peace with others, by being peacemakers, reconcilers, and healers in a divided world.

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy in God’s Salvation

The first reading for this Sunday is from the prophet Isaiah, who rejoices in God’s salvation: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10). The psalmist also sings of joy: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Psalm 146:1). The gospel reading from Matthew shows us how John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is “the one who is to come” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus answers by pointing to his deeds: “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them” (Matthew 11:5).

How can we rejoice in God’s salvation in this Advent season? We can first recognize that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfilment of God’s promises. We can then thank God for His love and mercy that He has shown us in Christ. We can also celebrate His mighty works in our lives and in the world, by giving Him praise and glory. We can also share His good news with others, by proclaiming His name and testifying to His power.

Finally, Fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of love:

As we draw closer to the celebration of Christmas. The readings for this Sunday reveal God’s love for us and invite us to respond with love to him and to our neighbour’s. The first reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 tells us how God made a covenant with David, promising to establish his kingdom forever and to raise up a descendant who would rule over his people. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of David and the Son of God. The responsorial psalm from Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 praises God for his faithfulness and his love that endures forever. The second reading from Romans 16:25-27 proclaims the mystery of God’s plan that was revealed in Christ Jesus, through whom we receive grace and glory. The gospel reading from Luke 1:26-38 narrates the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, who was chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. Mary accepted God’s will with faith and obedience, saying “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

How can we love in this Advent season? We can love by trusting in God’s promises and his plan for us and for our world. We can love by being faithful to his covenant and his commandments. We can love by imitating Mary’s fiat or “yes” to God’s will in our lives. We can love by welcoming Jesus into our hearts and into our homes. We can love by showing compassion and kindness to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor or marginalized.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us remember that Advent is not just a countdown or a shopping spree. It is a sacred time to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s coming and to renew our commitment to follow him as his disciples. Let us pray that this Advent season may fill us with hope, joy, peace, and love.

I hope these Advent reflections for Christians will inspire you to make the most of this season and to draw closer to God and others. May God bless you with his grace and peace as you wait, prepare, anticipate, and celebrate the coming of Christ. Amen.

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Temptation is a common struggle for many Christians. It can come in various forms, such as lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, or gluttony. Temptation can make us feel guilty, ashamed, or unworthy of God’s love and grace. But temptation is not a sin in itself. It is only a test of our faith and obedience to God.

The Bible tells us that God does not tempt anyone, but He allows us to be tempted by the devil, who is the enemy of our souls. The devil wants to lure us away from God and His will for our lives. He wants to destroy our relationship with God and our witness to others. He wants to make us doubt God’s goodness and power.

But God is faithful and He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will also provide a way out so that we can endure it. The way out is prayer. Prayer is our lifeline to God. Prayer is our weapon against the devil. Prayer is our source of strength and wisdom.

Prayer can help us beat the temptation in several ways:

• Prayer can remind us of who God is and who we are in Him. When we pray, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, holiness, love, and grace. We also affirm our identity as His children, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We remember that we belong to Him and that He has a good plan for our lives.
• Prayer can help us resist the devil and his lies. When we pray, we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from us. We also expose the devil’s schemes and refute his accusations with the truth of God’s Word. We declare that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.
• Prayer can help us receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing. When we pray, we confess our sins and repent of them. We ask God to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We also receive His mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.
• Prayer can help us renew our minds and transform our hearts. When we pray, we meditate on God’s Word and His promises. We also ask Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit and His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We also ask Him to give us a new heart and a new spirit that desires to please Him.
• Prayer can help us seek God’s will and direction. When we pray, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and plans. We also ask Him to guide us and lead us in His paths of righteousness. We also seek His wisdom and discernment to make godly decisions.

Prayer is not a one-time event, but a continuous practice. We should pray without ceasing, in every situation and circumstance. We should pray before we face temptation, during temptation, and after temptation. We should pray for ourselves and for others who are struggling with temptation.

Prayer is not a magic formula or a quick fix, but a relationship with God. Prayer is not about getting what we want, but about trusting God’s will and timing. Prayer is not about changing God’s mind, but about changing ours.

Prayer is the key to beating the temptation with God’s help. Let us pray fervently and faithfully, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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When were you introduced to God? Were you a toddler, child, teen, or adult? Do you have a close relationship with Him? Better yet, do your children?

When do you think children should be introduced to their heavenly Father and by whom? Do you believe a child should be allowed to chose if they want to follow Christ?

God blessed us and entrusted us with our children. It is our responsibility to instruct them in who God is and how we are to live our lives to ensure we reunite with Him and all our loved ones.

It is our duty, and an honor to raise our children to know, understand, and trust our loving and faithful LORD.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14 NIV

If we don’t teach our children to follow God, the world will teach them not to.
Parents can sometimes get caught up in life. I get it. We get tired of arguing with our kids and sometimes giving in and not having them attend mass nor Bible classes is more comfortable, but we must persevere with what is truly important and in their best interest.

After all, we are talking about their soul.

Athletic, artistic, or academic successes are esteemed highly and are driven into our children from an early age. They become non-negotiables. What is vital to the parent becomes essential to the child, even if not right away.

So, it is of utmost importance that we also prioritize God in our list of non-negotiable, crucial lessons in raising children.

Here are Six Ways to Raise Christian Children.

Talk to them about God and His role in your life

Be honest, children will appreciate it and learn from it. Who is God to you? Do you talk to Him? When? About what? Do you want to get closer to Him? How will you do this? Can you do this together as a family?

Share your prayers with them- Did you pray for children?

Let them know your prayers to God and how faithfully He blessed you with them. Share your prayers for others- your friends, family, the sick, homeless, suicidal, depressed, addicted, dying, etc. This will help your children understand how we are to pray for others. You are their role model. There is no one way to pray. No right or wrong; talk to God. Tell him what is in your heart.

Pray with your children

Be specific and persistent. Pray at night as you tuck them in. Have them pray- it’s beautiful to hear what they have to say. Pray at meals. Let them listen to you be thankful for all that He provides. This will reinforce the fact that everything we have comes from God. Pray out loud when you get good news or when things go well. Pray out loud for situations or for people that could use His merciful hand. A good rule to follow is to always give thanks, pray for others, and pray for your self. Finish by giving it to Him and acknowledging that His will, will be done.

Attend Mass and Enroll in Bible Studies

It is crucial to continue to fuel on spiritual food (God’s living word). The more one immerses in the Word, the more the spiritual soul grows and develops. It is vital that you and your children attend mass and enroll in catechesis. Never stop seeking, learning, and applying God’s living Word. It is the essence of our purpose and existence.

Read the Bible and Other Christian Materials with your Children

With little ones, you can read Bible stories with pictures like “The Jesus Storybook Bible” and Christian stories, such as “When God Made You,” “I prayed for You” and so many others like these. I may be a little bias here, but the book I published, “Our Purpose” would be a great book to read with your children. Check out Amazon or Barnes and Noble for great reviews and ideas. Don’t forget your tweens. Kids are never too old to be read to or to read with. As you tuck them into bed discuss great Godly material such as, “You’re God’s Girl! A Devotional for Tweens, the Bible, or magazines, or any other Christian literature. This would be a great way to spend time together and have spiritual conversations to drive God’s message.

View Christian Movies and Follow Christian Influencers

Make it a priority to fill your child’s mind, heart, and soul with good nurtured messages. In a technological world, social media prevails. Have your kids find Christian YouTubers to follow. Social media is a powerful tool; adults should encourage children to use it wisely and for the good of oneself.
Have the leading role in preparing your child for a life with God. Yes, indeed raising Christian children in today’s world is a challenge, but it is critical. God will equip you, call on Him.

Source:www.lovingwithallmyheartandsoul.com

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