Darkened Glass Reflections

Tag: Advent

  • Advent as Preparation and Engagement

    Advent as Preparation and Engagement

    “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). Advent reminds us to wait and prepare for the Lord’s second coming as we remember how He came in human flesh and dwells with us always.

  • Get Ready!

    Get Ready!

    As we begin Advent, a new year begins on the church calendar. We leave the past behind us and look ahead in anticipation.

  • Beyond Belief: Advent, Christmas, and Leaps of Faith

    Beyond Belief: Advent, Christmas, and Leaps of Faith

    The biblical account of Jesus’ birth is not like what we see in many movies and TV specials. Much like our lives, it was messy, stressful, and complicated. Mary and Joseph had to confront their doubts and fears, the skepticism of others, and other challenges. It sounds simple, but the Bible tells a story about…

  • Advent: Prepare the Way (Luke 3:3-6)

    Advent: Prepare the Way (Luke 3:3-6)

    Advent is a time of preparation for a closer walk with Jesus as we reflect on His first coming and prepare for His return. This can be a good time to clear the obstacles that are hindering our relationship with Him.

  • God’s Righteousness and Justice. III: Practicing Righteousness

    God’s Righteousness and Justice. III: Practicing Righteousness

    Righteousness is an essential quality of God, just like His love and mercy. Christians are called to imitate our heavenly Father, which includes manifesting His righteousness.

  • First Sunday of Advent: One Year, One Thing

    First Sunday of Advent: One Year, One Thing

    “If every year we would root out one vice, we would soon become perfect men.” In this post, I invite the reader to think of one sin that they want to overcome and commit it to the Lord in the coming year.

  • Examining Our Ways in Times of Suffering

    Examining Our Ways in Times of Suffering

    Pain and suffering are a central part of our earthly existence. Sometimes, it seems unfair, as if God Himself is unjust. We try to make sense of suffering, but it does not always work. The answers are rarely obvious or simple, but suffering gives us an opportunity to examine our lives and see if there…

  • Advent: A Season of Waiting and Preparation

    I would like to challenge the secular mindset about Christmas and “the holiday season” by urging my brothers and sisters in Christ to use the traditional church calendar as a guide. Instead of allowing mass-marketing to guide your life, allow the timeless truths of the Christian faith to shape your paths. By refusing to allow…

  • Getting Ready

    While the world calls us to stores and sales, Christians need to focus more on the coming of the Lord, and His current abiding presence in our lives. That is the message of Advent, as we await the joyous celebration of Christmas. Let us not be swept away by the storm of secularism and materialism…