"On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
- Matthew 2:11
Advent Day 5
December 1, 2022
The Season of Advent
The season of Advent is a time of anticipation. We Christians anticipate the coming of Christ. Many children (and adults!) eagerly anticipate the receiving of gifts. When I was an unmarried woman living 2,000 miles away from my family, the days of Advent signaled that it was almost time for my annual visit with my extended family. My anticipation of Christmas was less about Christ’s birth and more about an impending reunion with my family. As I have grown in my Christian faith and my family situation has shifted, my relationship to Advent has changed. For me, Advent has become a peaceful period before the whirlwind of the commercial Christmas holiday. It is now a time for me to prepare my heart and mind for the coming of Christ. During the Advent season, I take time each day to reflect, give gratitude, and read the Metropolitan Advent Booklet.
Sister Sidra Smith-Garner
United Voices
Sons and Daughters of Allen
Prayer: Our gracious God, most merciful parent, thank you for giving us another opportunity to celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Advent 2022
We invite you to join us during the Advent season as we reflect on the virtues of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love; as we anticipate Christ's birth; and prepare our hearts to receive him.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.