Advent is a four-Sunday season that marks the commencement of a new Christian year and serves as a prelude to the celebration of Christmas. Fittingly, it is a season of expectation and hope. During Advent we remember that God's love was made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God "became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) For Christians, all of life is anchored in Jesus Christ. During this season, we seek to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus into our hearts and into the world all over again.
It is likely that the observance of Advent goes back at least 1,500 years. When you enter the church sanctuary, you will see traditional symbols of the Advent season. The color purple, signifying royalty, reminds us that Jesus is the coming King. The four candles of the Advent candelabra represent hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday we light an additional candle, signifying that Jesus is the light who comes into a dark world. (John 1:4-5) The Christ candle in the center of the candelabra will be lighted on Christmas Eve. Music and preaching during this season tend to emphasize the nearness of the Kingdom of God and the need to be watchful.
Importantly, Advent mirrors the season of Lent, which also utilizes the color purple. During Lent we remember that the King who came on Christmas suffered and died for our salvation. For this reason, Christians often reinvigorate their spiritual devotion during Advent, seeking to respond as generously to Christ as possible. Spending extra time in prayer, repentance, and service are typical practices.
"Advent" means coming. Throughout this season, we are encouraged to be alert to the nearness of God. The miracle of Christmas is precisely that God comes among us in Christ. I invite us at the outset of Advent to prepare to make him welcome.
What is Advent?
Advent is a four-Sunday season that marks the commencement of a new Christian year and serves as a prelude to the celebration of Christmas. Fittingly, it is a season of expectation and hope. During Advent we remember that God's love was made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God "became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) For Christians, all of life is anchored in Jesus Christ. During this season, we seek to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus into our hearts and into the world all over again.
It is likely that the observance of Advent goes back at least 1,500 years. When you enter the church sanctuary, you will see traditional symbols of the Advent season. The color purple, signifying royalty, reminds us that Jesus is the coming King. The four candles of the Advent candelabra represent hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday we light an additional candle, signifying that Jesus is the light who comes into a dark world. (John 1:4-5) The Christ candle in the center of the candelabra will be lighted on Christmas Eve. Music and preaching during this season tend to emphasize the nearness of the Kingdom of God and the need to be watchful.
Importantly, Advent mirrors the season of Lent, which also utilizes the color purple. During Lent we remember that the King who came on Christmas suffered and died for our salvation. For this reason, Christians often reinvigorate their spiritual devotion during Advent, seeking to respond as generously to Christ as possible. Spending extra time in prayer, repentance, and service are typical practices.
"Advent" means coming. Throughout this season, we are encouraged to be alert to the nearness of God. The miracle of Christmas is precisely that God comes among us in Christ. I invite us at the outset of Advent to prepare to make him welcome.