What does "Advent" Mean? Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In our tradition, we haven't always celebrated it, but it has been commemorated by many Christians for centuries. The word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus" which comes from the Greek word "parousia" which refers to the second coming of Christ (ie. Matthew 24:27, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:19). We light a candle on each Sunday leading up to Christmas, ending with the center candle; representing Christ; being lit on Christmas Eve. It is a time of expectant waiting and preparation. We remember how the Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah. In our present day, it is a time of heart preparation as we reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth in our lives. It is also a reminder that Christ will return for His bride, the Church. I'm reminded of these lyrics, written from the virgin Mary's perspective; "Make my heart ready for Christmas. Help me prepare for the blessing to come. Lord you know I'm so unworthy so show me what to do. Make my heart ready for You."* I think that sums up what "Advent" means to me. -Jason *"Make My Heart Ready for Christmas" by Dave Clark & Russell Mauldin from the Christmas musical, "Come Home for Christmas" Benson Music Group. ©1991) |
2 Comments
2/1/2018 05:20:29 am
Time really flies so fast. It is already the season of Advent again. I like celebrating the Advent season because it is all about the how Jesus Christ was able to rise from the dead. For catholic people like me, we take this season very seriously because our Lord God Jesus Christ means the whole world to us and we owe Him everything that we have in our life right now. He is the reason why we get to live out the life we always wanted.
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Pastor Jason
2/1/2018 09:48:34 am
I wonder if you're thinking of the Lent season, as Advent is around Christmas. But either way, the Lord Jesus is the centre of both and they can be very significant seasons of worship and surrender. Blessings.
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Jason McCutcheonOccasionally I'll post something here to help us walk our faith out in daily life. It could be a devotional thought, reflections on a book I'm reading or a great song I've come across. Thanks for reading! Archives
January 2018
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