Advent Begins 12.3.23
This Sunday, Dec 3, marks the beginning of the church year. Advent is a season of expectant waiting and serves as a time of reflection on the events leading up to the birth of Jesus while also directing our attention to the second coming of Christ. It’s been celebrated by the church at large since the 4th century and has evolved to include various traditions and practices that emphasize four distinct themes.
- Embracing Hope – This theme invites believers to reflect on the prophetic promises of the Messiah’s coming and to renew our confidence in God’s faithfulness. It’s a time to acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties we currently face, while affirming the enduring hope we have in the redemptive work of Christ.
- Finding Inner Peace – This theme calls us to seek inner tranquility and embody the peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) We are to be reminded of the transformative power of God’s peace, which empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with serenity and grace.
- Celebrating Joy – This theme invites us to rejoice in the anticipation of Christ’s birth and to experience the profound joy that comes from the fulfillment of God’s promises. I encourage all of us to cultivate a spirit of exuberance and thanksgiving which will produce this “joy unspeakable.”
- Cultivating Love – This theme calls believers to deepen our understanding of God’s unconditional love manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on the sacrificial nature of love. It is also a time to recommit ourselves to embodying the love of Christ in our relationships and interactions with others.
As Mishael Austin Witty writes: “The themes of hope, peace, joy, and love serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. By connecting Advent to our Christmas celebrations, we can engage with the timeless truths of the gospel and experience God’s redemptive grace in a deeply personal and meaningful way.”