The first Sunday of Advent always brings a special sense of anticipation—a stirring reminder that we are a people who wait with purpose. This week at Myrtle House Community Church, Ellen Chapman invited us to rediscover what Advent truly means: a season of preparing, expecting, hoping, and aligning ourselves with the heartbeat of God.

Advent isn’t just about counting down to Christmas. It’s also about looking ahead with longing toward Christ’s return. We are waiting people, but we don’t wait passively—we prepare. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Without Jesus, we are painfully aware of our own lack, yet with Him, our hearts find hope, meaning, and transformation.

God With Us—Our Model, Our Hope

Isaiah 7:14 reminds us of a breathtaking truth: Immanuel—God with us. Jesus entered our world not only to save us, but also to model a life fully surrendered to the Father. When we ask, “What would Jesus do?” we’re inviting His example to shape our actions, our attitudes, and our responses.

The angels declared His birth as good news of great joy for all people (Luke 2:10–11). Advent is a celebration of this joy—joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the presence of Jesus who came near.

Preparing the Way

Ellen then led us to John the Baptist—the forerunner, the one appointed to prepare hearts for Christ. He knew his calling. He understood his role. And he faithfully pointed others to Jesus.

We have the same calling today.

God is moving. He is drawing people to Himself. And He invites us—His church—to be ready to welcome, to love, to shine, and to reflect the light of Christ. Our lives tell a story, and what we carry inside becomes what others see.

We are called to be salt and light in a world longing for hope.

How Do We Prepare Our Hearts?

Ellen shared four ways we can prepare ourselves for all that God is doing:

1. Align Our Hearts and Minds

God promised in Ezekiel 36:26 to give us a new heart—a heart soft toward Him, shaped by His Spirit. Transformation begins within.

2. Pray

Matthew 6 invites us to speak with our Father in the secret place. Prayer aligns us with His presence and His purposes.

3. Read and Learn

We prepare by immersing ourselves in Scripture. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand His voice and His ways.

4. Be Discipled

Growth happens in community. Walking with those who are further along strengthens our faith and builds spiritual maturity.

Prepared for a Purpose

Preparation is not busywork—it has a purpose. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and we are called to do the same for those around us. We are bearers of light. Our faith is meant to be lived, not merely spoken. Our actions often speak louder than our words.

When we allow God to purify our hearts and shape our character, we begin to reflect Christ more clearly—His humility, His compassion, His truth, His love.

There is hope for something better, even in the hardest moments. Advent reminds us that Jesus came once, and He will come again. And until that day, our calling is to align ourselves with His heart and help others meet Him.

A Final Encouragement

God is on the move. He is preparing His church—calling us deeper, shaping us further, and leading us into a season of greater impact.

Let’s prepare the way.

Let’s be the light.

Let’s align our hearts with His.

This Advent, may our lives tell a story of hope.