The next tradition started later, but has really taken off in later years.
The 19th century version of our current Advent Calendar was white chalk marks on the wall. They marked a line for each day counting to 24. A second variation was 24 candles attached to a surface. A new candle for each day. Now we have printed calendars, books, trees, and a million other versions of the same idea.
The purpose is to remember each day that we are in a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas. But it is just as important to remember every day that we are waiting for Christ’s return. In the business of the world, we lose focus. The Advent calendar forces us to stop for a second or a few minutes and think about the coming of the Lord.
This year, if you have an advent calendar, when you open the slot or place an item in the pocket, don’t just think about the first coming. This year focus on the second coming of the Lord.
Jesus said in Mark 13
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Exercise Questions for your journal
Are you watching for Jesus return?
If Jesus returned to day, do you belong to him?
Would he find you living for Him?
Do you love God more than anything or anyone?
Do you love your fellow Christians as Christ loved them?
Do you love people who might hate you?
Do you see feed the hungry, care for the sick, the poor, the prisoners?
Are you watching for Jesus or are you living as if He will not return?
Fourth Day Adventures 