The word “Advent” means “coming” in Latin; this is the season of expectantly waiting for the coming of Christ. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I remember going to church as a young girl and excitedly waiting for that next candle to be lit on the Advent wreath. I loved the cold December air, snow, Christmas songs, and carols.
During these four weeks, we will look back on the other people in Christ’s life and how they were expectantly waiting on His arrival.
Advent is not a Biblical mandate, in fact, in many places of worship it is not celebrated. It is a church tradition, and I love this time of drawing near to our Lord, by setting our hearts and minds on the coming of the Messiah. The coming of the Messiah was foretold for thousands of years, and in this season, we realize that God, in His faithfulness, sent His son Jesus to earth, just as scriptures prophesied. With this season we are also waiting expectantly for the second coming of Christ, which is to come.
The first week of Advent symbolizes Hope. The coming hope of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The hope of a new life, an eternal life which is only found through Jesus Christ.
In the West, Christmas is a busy season for most people. Advent is a time that we can use to slow down, take a deep breath, and think of the real reason for the season. Jesus Christ.
Advent is first mentioned around AD 380 at the Spanish Council of Saragossa. The weeks of Advent are embedded in our Church history and many families also have Advent wreaths in their homes and Advent Calendars (which count down the 24 days to Christmas).
We will publish a weekly Bible reading, we will also publish parts of the Gospel of Matthew. We encourage you to use these posts as a guided devotion time to allow you to take a breath and focus on the coming birth of our Savior Jesus!
Please share these posts with your family and friends and especially with people who don’t know or follow Jesus. May God bless you and keep you
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