The Advent-Centered Life: A 40 Day Advent Devotional

by Mike Larsen, Dave Van Lant

Advent is about looking back as we remember the promised Messiah, as Jesus was born in Bethlehem. God's response to our sin and disobedience was not to condemn us or punish us but rather to send us a savior. Why? Because God loves us. Romans 5:8 says God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Advent is about looking to the present as Jesus comes into the lives and hearts of believers today. God is still saving his people and bringing them into the family of God. To live an advent-centered is a believe that Jesus is still coming into the lives and hearts of those who put their faith in Him presently. God is calling everyone, everywhere, to a new life in Christ.

Advent is also looking forward to anticipating Jesus' second coming as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. Jesus is our King who promises to bring an end to the injustices in our world once and for all.

Living an advent-centered life means we are to be grateful for the first coming of Jesus, active in the present coming of Jesus into the hearts and lives of everyone—everywhere, and a hope-filled people as we set our hearts on the promise of Christ's return.

My prayer as you read and journal through these daily devotions is that you would be drawn to the wonder and amazement of who Jesus Christ is and that your hearts will be filled with His hope, peace, joy, and love.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

About the author

A student of history, Chickasaw artist and sculptor Mike Larsen researches the past events of the subjects he paints and sculpts. He studied traditional art disciplines at Amarillo Junior College, the University of Houston, and later, at the prestigious Art Students League of New York in New York City.

In 2000, he was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, followed by induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2015, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame, in 2016.

Larsen is especially known for his paintings and sculptures of dancing figures. He was commissioned by the State of Oklahoma to paint a 26-foot-long mural in the Capitol rotunda of five internationally prominent ballet dancers, all born in Oklahoma and all First American.
In addition to his very large paintings and sculptures, Larsen is also known for one very tiny one: the US postage stamp commemorating the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007.