Towards Advent

Salvation to our God! Salvation to the Lamb! Salvation to our Jesus! And you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21b.

On this last day, this Sabbath day before we enter into the Advent Season, like many of us in different countries and towns, visible, audible and practical signs and sights of the approaching Advent Season have been most prominent. The Christmas Season, as it is commonly referred to, is not a forgotten season, by both believers and non-believers. In my country, as I know is common in many other places, the commercial world, made up of men and women of all different backgrounds, religious persuasions and attitudes, make great mileage from this season. In fact, it does appear to the natural eye that those of the commercial world have totally taken over this season in zealous promotions, pronouncements and persuasion.

In the island where I live, our radio stations, have been bringing Christmas carols to us from the beginning of the month of October, way before our churches even began to sing Christmas carols. Stores and shops are all introducing Christmas items, like Christmas bulbs and lights in their advertised sales. The point clearly being made here, is that in the secular world, the Christmas or Advent Season is brought to the forefront of businesses.   

Additionally, nature does the same for us, as many plants, fruit and even weather changes, remind us of the Christmas Season. It is always excitement and joy for me to note the beautiful cane arrows that only show their heads around this time, or the Christmas candle, unique flower, which only blooms profusely and freely at Christmas time. The point being made clear is that in the world of nature, the Christmas or Advent Season is brought to us.

On this final day, before we officially commence the Advent Season, I ask you to think of a tree growing in your garden, your neighbour’s garden or a friend’s garden, which has been lit up, from top to bottom, with all different kinds of Christmas lights. With those lights illuminating the tree, the entre presence, promotion and peculiarity of the tree is changed. For Advent 2025, I am inviting you to join me, as we celebrate Advent with a difference.

By faith, will you see yourself as the Lord’s precious Advent tree, planted in His garden and He is lighting you up, as it were, with His brilliant, different and most colourful Word illuminations?

For each of the four weeks, you will highlight another lit light in you, making you a present light, a promoting light and a peculiar light in Jesus.  

The tree in my yard, which is beautifully lit up yearly, is a cherry tree from which cherries are harvested. Friends enjoy cherries from that tree and some, as they enter the driveway, without even paying attention to me, look at the tree before them, happily looking to pick the nutritious fruit which are within easy reach and free to pick.

However, when the tree is full and laden with Christmas lights, they still admire the tree, not for its fruit, but for the lights of joy, cheer and beauty it spreads.

There is a change in: -

Presence – The tree is the same cherry tree, standing in the same place, but in this Christmas time, it stands before you as pure lights, all shining lights. Not only that, but to be marked is the fact that because of its illumination, it is able to be seen in the dark night, even from a far distance. Whichever of God’s trees you are, may you be so lit up with His illuminating Word, your presence will stand out even in the darkest places, shedding God's Light.

Promotion – The tree is the same cherry tree which, in season, promotes its fruit, visibly red and accessible. However, because you light up the tree in this none cherry-bearing season, the tree is still able to draw you to it, with lights.  Glory to God! And twice glory, I say, for when, as God’s fruit tree, this is not fruit-bearing season, may you be so lit up with His illuminating Word, you will promote and proclaim the power of God’s light to all.

Peculiarity – The tree is the same common cherry tree, whose fruit is well-used by most. This is no exotic, unusual tree, is what I mean. Nevertheless, when you light up your cherry tree, it becomes a particularly peculiar tree to you. It is peculiar in its lighting, for you have lit it according to you, no one else’s fancy or taste. All who admire it, praise the handiwork, made visible on that tree. Rejoice! May you be so lit up by God, with His illuminating Word, you will be His peculiar tree, showcasing Him.

May you know the heavenly joy and earthly freedom and privilege to be God’s illumination, His Living Advent Tree, draped from head to foot, with His Living Advent Word.