Christmas is upon us! Advent is here.
Why Advent? Why do Christians observe the Advent season in the time before Christmas? Is it important that we observe this time and make it a sacred time of the year?
I believe that Advent is central to the Christian message. Advent is the time in which Christians from all over the world come together to reflect on the coming of the Messiah. His is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
As we enter into the beautiful season of Advent, our hearts are filled with hope and anticipation. Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming,” reminds us of the imminent arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time of preparation and renewed faith, a time that stirs our souls to embrace the true meaning of His coming.
Just as the Israelites eagerly awaited the promised Messiah, we too live in a world desperately in need of hope, peace, joy and love. Advent urges us to reflect on the profound truth that Christ’s birth was not a distant event of the past, but rather a living reality that continues to shape our lives today.
In the business and distractions of our modern lives, Advent invites us to pause and listen to the gentle whispers of our souls. It encourages us to open our hearts, to create space for Christ to dwell within us. As we light each candle on the Advent wreath in our local churches, we symbolize the growing anticipation and brightness in our lives as we draw nearer to the arrival of the Light of the World. Our church has made this our theme throughout Advent. “Christ, the Light of the world.”
Advent is a season of longing and preparation, reminding us of our need for a Savior. It heightens our awareness of our own brokenness and calls us to remove the barriers that hinder our connection with God and others. It prompts us to examine our lives, to turn away from all that separates us from God’s love, and to embrace a spirit of repentance and renewal.
But Advent is also a season of joy and celebration. As we await the coming of Jesus, we are filled with hope, for through His birth, death and resurrection, He has conquered sin and death. He brings the promise of salvation and eternal life. The Savior we long for is the same Savior who has promised to be with us always, guiding us through life’s struggles and consistently showering us with His grace. He has not changed through the centuries. Christ remains the same yesterday, today and forever.
So, my friends, let us approach this Advent season with open hearts and minds. Let us allow the true spirit of Christmas to permeate our lives, as we prepare to welcome and encounter Christ anew. May our hearts be filled with joy as we sing the familiar carols, light the candles, and reflect on the miracle of God’s love made manifest in the birth of His Son.
May this Advent be a time of deep spiritual renewal, a time to draw closer to Jesus Christ, and a time to share His love with others.
The Rev. Ron Schermerhorn is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham.
