Advent For Us

I was born into a Christian family and was raised as a Christian, yet I had never really celebrated Advent. In a quest to study God's Word and to seek out what He would have me do for my family I really felt we needed to celebrate Advent. This would help keep Christ at the center of our Christmas. I didn't know alot about Advent so I researched and studied. I decided to share just a little of what I learned.

Advent means "coming" or "arrival". The focus of the entire season is a celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in His first advent. We are also anticipating His return in His second advent. Is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings the world the anticipation of a king who will rule with truth and justice and righteousnes over his people and in his creation.

Part of the expectation also anticipates a judgement on sin and a calling of the world to accountability before God. We long for God to come and set the world right! Yet, as the prophet Amos warned, the expectation of a coming judgement at the "day of the Lord" may not be the day of light that we might want, because the penetrating light of God's judgement on sin will shine just as brightly on God's people.

We anticipate the coming of the Messiah. We long for redemption, not of a personal nature but of the redemption of the world. Anticipating for the Messiah to come a second time to save us from the evil in this world! Romans 8:18-25 says this clearly how we are eager for Christ to come again and save us from this evil.

Tonight before bed we read from a special book for Advent. We lit the first candle on our advent wreath which symbolizes expectation, hope and the prophecies that were fulfilled over 2,000 years ago! We sang "Away In A Manager" together and reflected upon how we can keep Christ at the center of our Christmas this year.

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Let us all start this season off with personal reflection on how we represent our Christ child to a dying world. May we live each day with the great anticipation that He will come again! And may we be ever mindful of the Day of Judgement that is coming!