Every year, we approach the end of November, and suddenly hear about the first Sunday in Advent. This year, it is this coming Sunday, November 30th. Then, for the four Sunday’s leading up to Christmas, we light a candle and see purple all around the church. But what does the season of Advent really mean?
According dictionary.com, advent means “a coming into place, view, or being; arrival.” OK. So, how does that tie in with the church? The Season of Advent in the church is both celebration: of the birth of Christ (his First Advent), and anticipation: of the return of Christ (his Second Advent). We use this time to prepare ourselves spiritually, affirming that Christ has come, that he is present with us through the Holy Spirit, and that he will return again. This is accomplished by being good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, while also fulfilling the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance! It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world. (http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html)
The season of Advent leads up to the season of Christmas, which lasts 12 days. Those twelve days lead to Epiphany on January 6th. Historically, this is the day that the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem, and is significant because they are the first people to recognize and honor the Christ child, revealing Jesus to the world as Lord and King. So rather than celebrate just on Christmas, we should rejoice for the next 12 days for the gift that the Lord sent for us and our salvation.
As for the candles in church, well, those, too, have a specific meaning. We’ll have another article about that in the coming weeks. But what can you do to honor the Advent season? Advent calendars are a great way, especially for families with children. Or, look to sources for good advent devotionals. The key is to remember that we spend these four weeks preparing for and learning about the coming of Christ. So look to the Bible for the history of Jesus’ lineage and God’s promise to His people that he will send the Savior (Isaiah 2:1-5,7:10-14, Micah 5:2-5a)
14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts, decorating the tree, making cookies, and planning family gatherings. We need to also remember, though, that none of that matters if we forget the true reason for celebration: Christ was born! And Christ will come again! May each of you have a blessed Advent season.
(NOTE: Much of my research came from the Christian Research Institute: http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html)
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