Prior to Advent (the four Sundays of December) I unlocked the church to lead a Bible study, it was dark and I knew I was alone. As I walked past the gym, among all the darkness, was a beautifully lit stage. It looked like a winter wonderland. I thought how appropriate that such beautiful light would shine in the darkness. I was also reminded that I was not alone. That light changed my whole perspective. I thought about how appropriate this is for Advent. A time to remember the Light and anticipate the Light! Luke 1: 37, “For no word from God will ever fail.” This is the verse that gets us through! We have hope of the Christ child and hope of Christ coming again and this continues to get us through.
Advent reminds us of the hope we have in a Savior. Isaiah 9: 6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The second week focuses on preparation. God is still working in our hearts to prepare us for Jesus’ second coming! The third week we celebrate the coming of Jesus. The final week celebrates God’s peace and love. And we can continue to celebrate this good news!
Over 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus down to become a human being. John 1: 14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” As Advent people, our anticipation does not stop after four weeks but we continue to anticipate our Savior’s arrival. Our hope brings expectation and we feel called to share that hope with other’s. ] Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!