This year for Christmas, we’ll be celebrating the Advent season. Advent is sometimes associated with Catholics or more “high church” congregations, but, there is no reason it has to be that way. Advent simply means “coming” or “arrival”, especially of something that has been highly anticipated. As Christians, the advent of Christ is one of the central parts of our faith, so it’s important that we take time to consider how He impacts our lives.
We’ll have a wreath up front with candles on it, and we’ll light a new candle each week. There’s nothing special about the candles themselves, and nothing magical about the words we’ll say as they are lit, but together, hopefully they can draw our attention anew to the great things Christ has done for us.
The Christmas story is familiar, so you’re probably not going to hear anything this year that you’ve never heard before, but I do pray that as we take time to focus on what Christ’s arrival means this year, something about it hits you in a new way. Perhaps the hope that we talk about today meets you in your place of despair and reminds you how Christ has overcome the world. Maybe the busyness and stress in your life can be put away for a bit next week when we ask for peace on Earth. Similarly, let’s all expect God’s love, joy, and personal presence will guide us through the season.
Maybe you’ve celebrated Advent this way many times before, or maybe this way of looking forward to Christmas is new to you. Either way, let’s come with expectation for what Christ will do!