Advent is a season of waiting and expectation for Christmas — the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord.
We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas.
The dates for Advent vary from year to year, but they always include the four Sundays before Christmas Day. This year, 2024, Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, and ends on Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve.
Christian writers have written Advent study guides for serious Bible students. Some of the studies are printed, and some are online.
You already have an excellent Advent study guide in your household. It is in your Bible, the Gospel of Luke.
Luke fits the bill perfectly. It has 24 chapters. Advent this year has 24 days.
By starting on the first day of Advent, Dec. 1, and reading a chapter of Luke each day, you will have read the entire book of Luke by Christmas Eve. This gospel tells the whole story of Jesus, from birth to death and resurrection.
Luke contains the best-known and best-loved account of the birth of Jesus in chapter 2:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
If you were to be late in starting this Advent study or if you miss a day, you can catch up by reading two chapters the next day. And if you get seriously behind, you can continue reading beyond Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. What a wonderful way to begin your New Year.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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