Advent
The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”
Isaiah 7:10-16
Friends,
At Peace Lutheran, I hand out “Advent “Calendars”. They are colorful Christmas decorated cardboard boxes about ¼ of an inch thick with days marked counting to Christmas. Each day can be opened to reveal a small piece of chocolate that builds the child’s anticipation until Christmas arrives.
The word “advent” means coming. The Church, during the season of Advent, anticipates the coming of the infant Jesus at Bethlehem along with the second coming of Christ at the end of time.
The season of Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 which is celebrated in the Church as Saint Andrews Day. Advent can begin on Sundays from November 27 through December 3. The first Sunday in Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year.
Advent is one of the two seasons of anticipation in the Church year. The other is Lent which leads the believer to the Crucifixion and then to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are many differences between these two seasons. During Advent, the days become shorter. During Lent the days become longer. The name “Lent” comes from a Latin word meaning to lengthen.
During Advent, many Churches set up an “Advent Wreath”. The wreath is round to symbolize eternity. There are four candles on the wreath along with a center candle which is lit on Christmas Eve. As each Sunday arrives a candle is lit. By the time Christmas arrives, all the candles are lit, symbolizing the Light of Christ lightens the darkness of this world.
Many scripture passages from the Hebrew scriptures are read during Advent. The theme is centered around the coming of Christ. For example, the text above refers to a young woman bearing a child called “Immanuel”. The word ‘Immanuel” means “God with us” and refers to the promised One, Jesus Christ.
We celebrate Christmas on December 24th with a candlelight worship service. In today’s world, we use small battery-operated candles. During the service we sing familiar Christmas songs, reflect on familiar Bible readings and finally sing the song “Silent Night” as the lights are dimmed. It is a very moving service.
If you would like to join us, the worship service is Tuesday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. I hope you can join us.
Until then, may the light of the coming one, Jesus Christ, lighten your darkness.
Peace
Ricky Adams
Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church
Mill Valley, California