Preparing our Hearts by Serving Others This Advent

Advent is a season of preparation—a time to reflect, wait, and open our hearts to the coming of Christ. But this preparation isn’t just about quiet reflection; it’s also about action. The call of Advent reminds us to look beyond ourselves and see how God is at work in the world, especially through acts of compassion and care for those in need.

The story of Christ’s coming is deeply rooted in humility and service. Jesus was born into poverty, in a stable meant for animals. From the very beginning, the message of Christ has been one of solidarity with the least, the lost, and the vulnerable. As we move through this season, we are invited to prepare for Christ’s presence not only by lighting candles and singing hymns, but by embodying the love and generosity Christ calls us to share. We prepare for Christ's presence by being present and active as we care for one another.

Seeing Advent Through Serving Others

One way we can see Advent in our everyday lives is by recognizing the needs of those around us. Hunger, poverty, and lack of resources are not abstract issues—they are realities faced by many in our community. Just as Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ, it also calls us to prepare the way for Christ’s love to be made known through acts of service and justice.

This connection between worship and service is central to the Advent message. Lighting the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love isn’t just a ritual; it’s a reminder of what we are called to embody in the world. Preparing for Christ’s arrival means feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and walking alongside those in need.

Feeding the Hungry: A Sacred Act

At Family of Faith, one of the ways we live out this call is through our efforts to provide food and essential resources to those in need. Hunger is a reality for many families in Akron, and offering food is one way we can meet both physical and spiritual needs. Every meal shared, every bag of groceries delivered, every contribution to this mission becomes an Advent act—preparing the way for Christ by showing love and care to those around us.

These acts of generosity are not just about meeting immediate needs; they’re about proclaiming the good news of Christ in tangible ways. They remind us that Christ is present wherever there is compassion, wherever there is kindness, wherever there is justice.

Preparing our Hearts to See Advent in Action

As we journey through this worship series, *Come, Let Us Adore Him*, we are reminded that adoring Christ doesn’t happen only in song or prayer. It happens when we step out in love to serve our neighbors. Preparing for Christ means seeing Advent in the faces of those who are hungry, tired, or struggling—and responding with care.

This Advent, as we gather in worship and prepare our hearts, let us also prepare our hands and feet for service. Through our collective efforts to provide resources to those in need, we embody the hope, peace, joy, and love of this season. Together, we can be a reflection of Christ’s light in the world, feeding both body and soul.

In serving others, we see Advent unfold—not just in the rituals of worship, but in the acts of kindness and generosity that bring God’s love to life in our community.