The Coming of the King - My Advent Journey 2018

This is my schedule for a "Five-Week Spiritual Journey."

Week 1 – December 2nd – Focus: Preparation for the Journey

Week 2 - December 9th – Focus: The Throne of God

Week 3 – December 16th – Focus: The Darkness of the World

Week 4 - December 23rd – Focus: The Hope of the World - Christ the Light

Week 5 - December 30th – Focus: The Mission of God

Epiphany – January 6th – Focus: Celebration of the Journey - The Presence of Christ the King

An Advent Journey

In 2014 after spending time with Oscar and Kat Delgado in Mexico City, I felt impressed to share with them an “Advent Journey.” Our purpose was to set aside time in anticipation of a fresh appearing of Christ and that He would speak to us regarding our future. The weeks we shared even at a distance helped me to hear the voice of God and to give me hope in God’s work of redemption, particularly in Mexico City.

Since then I have tried to set aside during the busy holiday season time to focus my heart on the coming of the “Messiah” and the coming of the “Day of the Lord.” I think of this as a journey with God to seek Him in order that I might follow Him. Advent traditionally begins on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Day. This year, Advent begins on Dec. 2. Church traditions include special times of prayer and fasting. During Advent those traditions include wreaths and lighted candles and the singing of hymns are sung --- one of my favorites is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”

This verse from the prophet Isaiah is often associated with the Advent Season:

“Rain down, O heavens, from above,

Let the skies pour down righteousness;

Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation,

Let righteousness spring up together.

I, the Lord, have created all.” (Isaiah 45:8)

Christmas Day, which has been traditionally celebrated by the church on Dec. 25th. In some traditions it is the first day of the "12 days of Christmas." In America, we have commercialized Christmas Day and often it has become simply a day of eating a Christmas Dinner and gift exchanges. Once we clean-up the wrapping paper, Christmas is over and we start making plans for New Year’s Eve parties.

At the end of the twelve days of Christmas the day of Epiphany is celebrated. In some traditions, Epiphany is observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi. In the Eastern Orthodox Church tradition, it commemorates the baptism of Christ. An epiphany is “a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something,” such as the appearance or manifestation of the Messiah and a revelation of the mystery of the gospel.

For me, Epiphany is a “celebration” of God’s revelation to me of His work in my own life and an anticipation of His work of redemption in my world. This has led me to affirm and anticipate the plans God has for me for the coming year, as opposed to making my own New Year’s resolutions. I am asking God to guide me on a new Advent journey and that I will have a deep sense of the presence of the Lord during this holiday season.  I plan to share my journey in the days ahead. Perhaps this will be an encouragement to you to seek the coming of the Messiah.