“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. The Advent season focuses on expectation, serving as an anticipation of Christ’s birth.
We welcome you to join this Sunday and every Sunday.
So, what exactly is Advent?
Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It’s a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent begins, the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve, usually the Sunday nearest November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day). It then runs through to Christmas Eve.
It’s marked by traditions, such as the Advent calendar, where you open a little door each day to reveal a picture, verse, or treat. Some people also use an Advent wreath with four candles—one lit each Sunday—symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, a different theme is reflected on, helping people to focus on the true meaning behind Christmas.
Advent is not just about waiting for Christmas but also about slowing down and taking a moment to reflect on the bigger picture: the hope and joy that Jesus’ birth brings to the world.
The First Sunday of Advent
The first Sunday of the Advent Season, we remember the hope that came with the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Christmas is coming and so is Messiah!
The Second Sunday of Advent
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
On the second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate that peace that comes to our hearts when we accept the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Third Sunday of Advent
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
On the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the joy of release that Jesus brings.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
On this, the final Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the love that we share through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Love is what Advent, what the gift of Jesus, is all about.
So, what does the Bible say about Love?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’[and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven, because he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
