See the Light: Simply Advent

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What do you see today? Where is your light? To what or where are you looking for hope? What do you believe you must have to feel joy? What and who do you love?

Advent season is coming. There are books, plans, Pinterest ideas, church devotions and family traditions for each week, and they are all good with the best of intentions. And yet, I want to challenge you, along with myself, to embrace a better idea.

Here it is:

Let the Holy Spirit of God creatively paint the Advent truths in your imagination via the reading of His own words. There are 4 gospels, which tell the story of the Son of God coming in the flesh to live among us. One gospel for each week of Advent. Incorporate Isaiah 9, and other prophetic scriptures, foretelling the coming of Messiah. Read the Psalms and the book of Revelation. The story of Jesus and His return to save us is EVERYWHERE in the Bible.

Does this idea of Advent DIY seem overwhelming?

It’s really simple. Put away the screens. Open the Bible, the book form, on December 1, and read the first two chapters (and more) of Matthew. On December 8, read the story of Jesus at the beginning of Luke. Each time you open your Bible with paper pages, you will be asking Holy Spirit to teach you what He wants you to know this Advent.

Ask someone to do this with you. Together is more fun and holds us accountable to keep going. Every DIY is more fun with family or friends.

On December 15, read the very short book of Mark. And on the 22nd of December, read the story of God become flesh in the book of John. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a word or phrase that forms your heart to desire love, joy, peace and hope this Advent season.

Take a risk. Make this Advent season organic. Let it be simple. Open the word of God in pages with print. Read out loud with your family. Use a children’s Bible if that helps. Read from The Message paraphrase or the New Living Translation.

Keep it simple, and let God speak. Ask Him to open your ears and eyes. Come to Him with an expectant heart that He wants to speak just to you … one on one.

Let’s stop looking for Jesus in our phones and iPads through social media and other people because we get distracted and stuck in false imaginations. Don’t isolate. Invite people into your Advent journey of Light from His own words in the Bible.

Let’s do this together. If you’re in, send me a message or comment. Let me know how you are taking this idea and making it tailored to your schedule, family, and circumstances. Send your stories too, of how God is using the simplicity of reading His word out loud to change your heart, your relationships and bring glory to God.