The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is
preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of
the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply
marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of
God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we
now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will
reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness
at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. In this double focus on past and
future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they
affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again
in power. That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from
a profound sense that we live “between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what
is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as our church celebrates God’s in-breaking into history
in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which “all creation
is groaning awaiting its redemption,” it also confesses its own responsibility as a people
commissioned to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as
yourself.”
As the year comes to a close and the stress and busyness of the consumer Christmas
holiday grows, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season really calls us to: worship. In
today’s world, is it even possible to slow down, to ponder, to wonder in the coming birth of
Christ? Well, as we gather together in worship for the Advent season, I pray that the Holy Spirit
would shine His light in your hearts and bring focus to all your Christmas celebrations: “For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, ESV).
Advent Blessing and Merry Christmas,
