Dear First Pres,
Advent is upon us. The word “advent” means arrival and can signify the beginning of something new. That’s certainly what happened when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It was an arrival unlike any other – not only because of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, but mainly because of who Jesus is. His birth was the beginning of God making all things new.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Advent is the season that comes before the season of Christmas. The season of Christmas starts on Christmas day and goes through January 5. (I encourage you to keep your Christmas decor up until then.) Advent is a time of expectation, preparation, repentance and celebration. As we look forward to the great celebration of Christmas, we consider what it means that God loved us so much that the Eternal Word of God became flesh and made His dwelling among us (John 1). We consider what it means that we have a great high priest who understands what it means to be human (Hebrews 4). We consider what it means that God the Son made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, for the sake of our salvation (Philippians 2). This leads us to thanksgiving and celebration for the good gift of God that we commemorate at Christmas.
But Advent is also a time when we prepare ourselves for Christ’s final arrival. Thus, it’s a time when we lament the way we (humanity) have rejected the good work of Jesus. It’s a time for repentance and for our hearts to be aligned with His Kingdom. And, it’s time to nurture our own expectation that Jesus really will return and bring everything perfectly under His rule.
So, Beloved, in the midst of your own preparations for Christmas traditions at home and end-of-year madness at work, I encourage you to devote some time to lean into the Advent season. Don’t just count down the days until Christmas, take time to center your hearts on the person, work and imminent return of Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
P.S. One of my favorite things about Advent worship is the lighting of the Advent candle that happens right at the beginning of worship. I encourage you to make sure you’re in the Sanctuary at the top of our worship services so you don’t miss it.
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