An Advent Challenge

           Happy Tuesday! I hope this week has started off well for you. It’s been busy for me getting things taken care of before the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I’m really looking forward to taking some time away from the office. We all need some rest every now and then.  Even in the most hectic seasons of life we need to take time to slow down and discern the things that are truly important to us and those around us. If you’re reading this blog, hopefully God is alone at the top of this list.

              I find that as I get older, the years pass by quicker and quicker each time around the sun. It’s hard to believe that Advent starts in less than two weeks already. I don’t yet feel prepared to enter this time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ. Even going back to my time as a youth in Catholic schools, I have always felt a strong sense of God drawing me nearer to Him during the Advent season. I am starting to feel that same pull again this year.

              As I’ve tried to stay disciplined in regularly reading in the Word this year, I’ve noticed a troubling trend in my studies. Given my interest in theology, I’m naturally drawn to studying the New Testament – particularly Paul’s letters that are filled to the brim with theological wisdom. I realized that I’ve neglected the Old Testament in many ways this year. That means there are 39 (46 if you’re Catholic) divinely inspired books filled with the Word of God that I’ve missed out on this year.

              Luckily, the Old Testament is a great place to be for the impending Advent season. Preparation is a key theme in both the Old Testament and the upcoming liturgical season. Both are meant to point us to the reality that we as humans need a Savior to rescue us from our inherently sinful nature (thanks Adam!). I’ve made myself a promise – one that I intend to keep. Over the course of the Advent season, I plan to get through Ezekiel and Isaiah. I’m really looking forward to reading what these two major prophets reveal about the coming Christ.

              My hope is that you too will be motivated by my resolution. Maybe you will even join me in reading through Ezekiel and Isaiah? Even if you don’t choose these particular books, I challenge you to try to find 20 minutes a day to dig into the Word of God this Advent season.  In a preview of my reading assignment, Isaiah 55: 10-11 reveals to us “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” There you have it – God promises that His word will impact your life and help to achieve His sovereign purpose.

              Please comment below if you plan to try out an Advent reading program. I’d love to be an encouragement to you and you an encouragement to me. I hope this Advent season is one of much fruit bearing and blessing for you. Have a great Thanksgiving.

In Christ,

Kendal May