Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday hoopla is upon us. Long lines for the latest and greatest gifts. Boxes piling up on doorsteps and porch bandits on the prowl. Creatively coordinated schedules for family Christmas gatherings. Treasured traditions we barely have time for and boxes filled with Christmas decorations we barely have room for. The crescendo of craziness leaves us too busy to enjoy any of it. Is this really the reason for the season?!?
When the chaos swirling around you threatens to drain the season of its true meaning, observing Advent can help you refocus.
What is Advent?
Advent = Arrival. An appearing or coming into place.
During Advent, we celebrate Christ’s birth – the arrival of hope and the reminder that all of God’s promises will come to pass. They are fully fulfilled in the completed work of Jesus Christ.
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” – 2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
During Advent, we anticipate Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s plan to save us from hell and bring us into His glorious presence for eternity.
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” – John 14:2-3 NASB
The first time Jesus came was to redeem us and to reconcile us to God. And one day He will come again to bring us home! That is the reason for the season!
1st Sunday of Advent – Hope!
2nd Sunday of Advent – Peace!
4th Sunday of Advent – Joy!
3rd Sunday of Advent – Love!
How then shall we live in the time between Christ’s first and second advents? With hope in our eternity and in God’s saving and sanctifying work in our lives. As peacemakers who live out the Great Commission to make Jesus known. With the unshakeable joy that comes from knowing God is in control and His plans will come to pass! And with love for others as our primary objective because He first loved us.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
*When Jesus came the first time, it was as the Savior. When He comes the second time, it will be as the Judge. Only those who have put their faith in Him alone for salvation and have been made righteous by His atoning sacrifice will enter heaven.
