The Meaning and Significance of Advent

For many, “Advent” means a countdown to Christmas. Whether we envision candy-filled Advent calendars or lights draped over houses with nativity scenes out front, Advent marks a happy season of celebrating.

But the word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which is about a “coming” or an “arrival.” The Latin translation of the New Testament uses adventus to describe God the Son arriving on Earth, born as Jesus of Nazareth during the 1st century C.E. (see Acts 7:52). Still, throughout Church history, Advent has more traditionally referred to Jesus’ future arrival, when he comes to complete his work of restoring all creation (see Matt. 24:27; 1Cor. 15:23; 1Thess. 3:13).

The Advent season leads to the celebration of Jesus’ birth and also emphasizes his future arrival. It’s a season that includes practices like prayer, giving to those in need, and worship (plus more, depending on the tradition). And it reminds us that we’re living during the time between Jesus’ first and second advents, leading us to lament the hardships we experience in a still-broken world, while also forming us into people who wait with longing for the renewed world to come.

Celebrating Advent also means living into by practicing a generous way of love and car for our neighbors as we partner with Jesus to bring peace on Earth.

During this coming Advent I will be preaching a series about the stories of those who had experienced the birth of our savior.

First Sunday of Advent – Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph’s Story

Second Sunday of Advent – Luke 1: 5-19, 62-79 Zechariah’s Story

Third Sunday Of Advent – Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 Mary’s Story

Fourth Sunday of Advent – Luke 2:8-18 Shepherd’s Story

First Sunday after Christmas – Luke 2: 22-38 Simeon and Anna’s Story

IN CHRIST,

PASTOR MARK

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