Advent

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. Advent means coming or arrival. The first week of Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas day and is a time to prepare our hearts for arrival of Christmas. God sent His son, Jesus as a baby in a manger, to grow up on this earth to point people to God. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose again after three days, ascended into heaven and is returning back to earth as King. Advent is also the awaiting the coming or arrival of Jesus as King.

A double focus on the past and future!

The first candle of advent represents prophecy, hope, and expectation. During the Old Testament we read that the people of God had power hungry kings, were led astray by false prophets, and misguided by half-hearted religious leaders. The followers of God looked for the Messiah that true prophets spoke about.

Today, we have power hungry supervisors, owners and leaders. There are corrupt spiritual leaders. Our economy is still struggling and talk of falling over a fiscal cliff is in the news. In the same way, people looked with hope and expectation for the birth of the Jesus, we need to look with hope for a complete restoration of our land.

Psalms 33:20-22
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
    He is our help and our shield.
21 In Him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in His holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in You.

Light a candle of hope in your home today as we celebrate the first week of Advent.

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