Advent

The word “advent” is from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming.”  In the Old Testament of God’s Word (i.e. Isaiah 53), it is clear that the Messiah Savior was predicted to come in the future.  In the New Testament of God’s Word (i.e. Gospels of Matthew-John), it is clear that the Messiah Savior came as Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  We can call this event, the First Coming of Christ, the First Advent of Christ when He came as the Sacrificial Servant Savior.  It is also clear in God’s Word (i.e. Revelation of Jesus Christ) that Christ will come again.  We can call this future event, the Second Coming of Christ, the Second Advent of Christ when He will come as King Lord who will then fully establish His reigning kingdom on earth.

Observances such as an Advent season before Christmas, an Advent wreath with candles, Advent fasting, etc.. are of traditional origin and there have been different variations on how different Christians and Churches observe these Advent related traditions.  In General, this observance of Advent occurs on the four Sundays before Christmas which means, the first Sunday of the Advent season this year, 2015, is November 29^th.

There is typically an emphasis on honoring the birth of Christ, repenting, and looking forward to Christ’s return, especially being spiritually faithful to Christ and ready for His return.  An Advent wreath may be used along with a candle being lit each Sunday in the Advent season.

Some Christians and churches as a whole don’t emphasize some of the traditional observances of Advent.  For example, most of the churches I’ve been a part of in the south have not emphasized the traditional observances of Advent but they/we have emphasized the importance of both comings of Christ, trusting Christ as Savior and Lord, proclaiming Him as such, and living for the glory of God. Whether the Lord leads you to participate in some form of Advent observation or not, be sure to give God the glory and may the Biblical truth of the first and second coming of Christ lead you to an increased faith in God and more consistent God-honoring obedience in response to Christ.

Jesus Christ has come once, died for our sins and rose in victory over sin and death, and Jesus Christ is coming again as King of Kings Lord of Lords. Are you trusting Him (Rom. 10:9)? Are you living for Him (Col. 1:16)? Are you ready for His return (Mt. 24:44)?

What are your thoughts about Advent?

                                                         

Pastor Mike