The Season of Advent

The season of Advent is now upon us. The word advent means “coming” or "arrival" and marks a time of tension between "the already and not yet." It is an opportunity to remember Christ's coming and eventual birth in Bethlehem also longing for his second coming. Advent is, quite possibly, my favorite season in the church calendar because it is a call to meditate, pray and wait in that tension.

This Advent, I wanted to spend some time in anticipation together. I will be posting some thoughts and further reflections from different writers and theologians that will help us to anticipate and long for the mystery of Immanuel, God with us.

Below, you'll find a quote from Christ the King Presbyterian Church's 2008 Advent devotional, which was created by Bruce Benedict. The quote gives a further explanation of Advent and will give a bit more context and focus for the posts that are to follow.

The celebration of the season of Advent (which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day) dates back to the fourth century. It is a time that focuses our attention on Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry as well as his Second Coming when he will return to redeem all of creation and rule with all power and authority. Since we can’t anticipate the day or the hour of Christ’s return, we are filled with both a sense of joyful expectation and humble reverence, with our spiritual focus being on lives of prayer and preparation. The church has used the season of Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) to focus and reflect on the particular themes of John the Baptist’s preparation for the ministry of Christ, the annunciation to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus, Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, and the final judgment. Throughout the season we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Please join me in preparing our hearts for His threefold advent - past, present and future.