HARRISBURG FIRST CHURCH OF GOD

www.harrisburgfirstchurch.org

December Newsletter Article

Advent: What Is It Really?

Every year at this time, we hear about a season called Advent.  We’re told that it has to do with getting ready for Christmas.  But, do we really understand the purpose and meaning of Advent?  My guess is that most people are too consumed with getting ready for Christmas Day, that there really isn’t much thought given to this special season of preparation called “Advent.”

The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin meaning “a coming or arrival.”  Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.  It commemorates the coming of God into our world.  He came as a baby named Jesus.  He grew up and experienced life, just like us, so that He could understand us.  Then He did something no other god had ever done, He died for our sins, was buried in a tomb and then raised from the dead!  After all that, He went back to heaven and told us that He would come back a second time to reign victorious forever and ever.

Now that’s something to celebrate!  Just by being in it, God gave the supreme blessing to His created world.  And then the greatest news —that death will not end it all.  When we go goo-goo over the baby and the birth, the adult Jesus and His execution are also in sight.  This is not something you should go rushing into.  We need to take stock of why that baby Jesus was here.  Advent is the time to thank God for Christ’s first coming, and prepare for His final coming at the end of time.  It is a time to celebrate Christ’s presence among us today through the Spirit.

Advent is a time to get ready.  Prepare to rejoice!

• • That our God is not far away and unfamiliar with the struggles of human life.

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• • That Christ is here right now among His Followers.

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• • That God has already begun to bring in the Kingdom.

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• • That Christ will come again.  That’s Advent.

 Join us for Advent!  Take the time to remember, prepare, and celebrate the coming of God to our world.  Take the time to thank Him for His great sacrifice for you.  Take the time to be in His presence today.

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

– Jesus

 Have a blessed Advent and Christmas!

 ec

Pastor Wayne

Harrisburg First Church of God, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, PA 17101 - 717-236-8562