Advent

 

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21 ESV).

 

I thought it might be interesting as well as encouraging to dive a bit deeper into the “Advent” of the Western Christian Church. As you may be aware, it is the annual observance that marks the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day and ends on Christmas Eve. It’s much more than a countdown to Christmas; it is a time of hopeful expectation and reflection on our need for a Savior, who first came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) and will come again “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

 

I wonder if you know the origins of the name “Advent”? It means “coming toward.” The modern definition of advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” We generally use it to signify either an origin or beginning of a major event or a new era (i.e.: the advent of the Civil War or the advent of modern capitalism). We might also apply it to the onset of a regular occurrence, as in “the advent of winter”. Our modern understanding of advent probably gets much of its portent from centuries of ecclesiastical use to mark the first appearance of the Messiah and the hope of his promised return.

 

I think it is more than “coming toward” and should be seen in the sense of an invitation to “come toward” God. We often get caught up in the secular aspects of Christmas, the shopping, decorating, parties and other festivities. Observing Advent can really help us get above all that and focus our celebration on the coming of God’s Son. We do this by coming close to him. Many believers find drawing near to God enriches all other aspects of the Christmas celebration—fellowship, gift giving, gift receiving, even shopping. Take a little time this week and intentionally come toward Jesus!