As we approach the season of Advent (December 1-24), I find myself reflecting on how I might better prepare my heart for Christmas—a season not just of celebration, but of spiritual renewal and deepened devotion. Advent, a time of anticipation and reflection, offers us a sacred opportunity to focus on the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to prepare our hearts to receive Him more fully. It is not merely about counting down days on a calendar, but about deepening our connection to Him and the gifts He brings into our lives.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8) St. Paul’s words remind me of the importance of intentionally cultivating faith, love, and hope in this season. These are not simply virtues to strive for but are the very essence of what it means to prepare ourselves for Christ’s coming.
Advent invites us to examine our lives with fresh eyes and renewed hearts, so we might bring our lives more fully in line with the teachings of our Saviour. In doing so, we might clothe ourselves with the same faith, love, and hope Paul spoke of. We must intentionally quiet the noise of the world to hear the gentle whisper of God’s Spirit and allow our faith to strengthen us, our love to lead us, and our hope to anchor us.
The Book of Mormon provides us with an additional lens through which to view this beautiful, sacred season. In 3 Nephi, we read of the people who awaited the coming of Christ’s birth, holding fast to their faith even in the midst of uncertainty. “And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.” (3 Nephi 1:19) Just as the Nephites experienced light in the darkness, we too can experience the light of Christ as we prepare to celebrate His birth. Advent is a time to hold fast to the light, to let our faith drive out the darkness in our lives, and to draw nearer to the Saviour who dispels all shadows.
In reflecting on these scriptural accounts, I am reminded of the importance of preparing our hearts to receive the light of Christ. This preparation is a journey that requires humility, repentance, and prayer. Alma teaches that we must have “a desire to believe” and “give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart.” (Alma 32:27-28) Advent is that holy space, that moment in time where we allow the seed of Christ’s love and light to grow within us. As I seek to prepare my heart this Advent season, I contemplate the significance of not only remembering Christ’s birth but also of anticipating His Second Coming. Just as the people of the Book of Mormon anticipated His birth with faith and hope, we are invited to look forward to His glorious return. I ask myself, “Am I preparing my heart each day to receive Him? Am I embracing the quiet moments, allowing His Spirit to speak to me? Am I letting go of what holds me back from truly embracing His love and grace?”
The beauty of Advent lies in its call to spiritual readiness, its invitation to pause and to ponder. It is an invitation to let go of our distractions and to open our hearts to the Saviour’s redeeming love. When we make space for Him, we are blessed with the peace and joy that only He can provide. Christ’s invitation is the same as it has always been: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
As we prepare our hearts this season, let us respond to His call with sincerity and with a willingness to lay our burdens at His feet. May we use this Advent season as a time to reflect, to repent, and to recommit ourselves to following Him. Let us prepare our hearts with faith and love, ready to receive the light that was born in Bethlehem and that continues to shine within each of us.
Ideas for Celebrating Advent
Celebrating a contemplative Advent can be a deeply enriching experience for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inviting us to focus on the spiritual aspects of the season and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. I created this list of several meaningful ways that might help members engage in a thoughtful Advent.
1. Daily Scripture Reflection and Prayer
One of the most spiritually enriching practices during Advent is to set aside dedicated time each day for scripture reading and prayer. Focusing on passages related to the birth of Christ, His mission, and His Second Coming can help deepen our understanding and reverence for the Saviour. In addition to reading from the Gospels, consider including passages from the Book of Mormon that highlight the prophecies of His coming, such as those found in 1 Nephi 11 or 3 Nephi 1. Pairing this study with moments of sincere prayer invites the Spirit and allows for deeper reflection.
2. Lighting an Advent Wreath
The tradition of lighting an Advent wreath can be a powerful symbol to mark each week of Advent. This has been a tradition in my family since I can remember, and I have read that more and more families from the Church are celebrating Advent in this manner. The four candles—each representing themes like hope, love, joy, and peace—can be an opportunity to focus on Christ’s attributes and how they manifest in our lives. Families could share a scripture or quote associated with each candle’s theme and reflect on its meaning. This practice helps create a deeper sense of unity, reverence, and anticipation as the light increases each week.
3. Acts of Service and Kindness
One of the most meaningful ways to prepare for Christmas is by engaging in acts of service and kindness. As President Thomas S. Monson often taught, “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.” (First Presidency Christmas Devotional message, Dec. 2) Look for opportunities to serve others in small and significant ways, reflecting the love and compassion Christ demonstrated throughout His ministry. Whether it is participating in the Church’s Light the World campaign or performing anonymous acts of kindness, service during Advent allows us to emulate Christ and bring His light to others.
4. Journaling and Self-Reflection
Advent is a time to pause and take spiritual inventory. Keeping a journal during this season can help brothers and sisters capture insights, feelings, and spiritual impressions received throughout the days of reflection. Consider writing about the ways the Saviour has impacted your life, moments when you have felt His peace, or thoughts and promptings you receive during your study and prayer. This practice not only deepens our connection with Christ but also helps us to be mindful of His presence in our lives.
5. Fasting with Purpose
Advent is a time to reflect and prepare spiritually, and fasting can be a meaningful way to do so. Consider setting aside a specific day to fast for a particular purpose, such as gaining a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission or seeking spiritual strength to align one’s life more closely with His teachings. Coupled with prayer, fasting allows us to humble ourselves before the Lord and invite His Spirit more fully.
6. Quiet Evenings with Christ-Centred Music and Worship
Setting aside quiet evenings to listen to Christ-centred Christmas hymns and sacred music can invite the Spirit and shift our focus to the Saviour. As we listen to the words of hymns like “Silent Night” or “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” we might reflect on the majesty and humility of Christ’s birth. Reading scriptures or passages from the Book of Mormon that testify of His coming can also add to these peaceful moments.
7. Symbolic Advent Devotionals with Family
Advent provides an opportunity to gather as a family or with close friends for simple devotionals that focus on the life and mission of the Saviour. A family could read daily passages of scripture that point towards Christ’s birth and His ministry, incorporating prayer and a brief discussion. These devotionals might also include lighting a candle to symbolise the coming light of Christ or participating in activities that help children understand the significance of His birth.
8. Pondering Christ’s Second Coming
Advent is not only a time to reflect on Christ’s first coming but also to prepare our hearts for His glorious return. As we ponder scriptures that speak of His Second Coming, such as Matthew 25 or Doctrine and Covenants 45:39-44, we are reminded to remain spiritually vigilant and prepared. This theme encourages personal reflection on how we are bringing our lives in line with His will and how we can draw nearer to Him in readiness for His return.
9. Expressing Gratitude for the Saviour’s Gifts
Sadly, the Christmas season often shifts our focus to material things. Taking time each day of Advent to express gratitude to God for the spiritual gifts Christ offers—such as grace, forgiveness, peace, and eternal life—can help recentre our hearts. A simple prayer of gratitude each morning or evening can foster a spirit of reverence and awe, helping us to recognise the abundance of blessings He has poured out upon us.
In each of these practices, the aim is not to add more to an already busy season, but rather to embrace simplicity and draw nearer to Christ. Advent invites us to intentionally create quiet spaces in our lives to reflect on the greatest gift ever given—our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As we pause, pray, serve, and reflect, we prepare our hearts to celebrate not just His birth but His continual presence in our lives and His promised return.
