An Introduction to Advent
In the early church history, Christians needed a time of the year dedicated to celebrating Jesus’ coming to Earth. The celebration of His resurrection was already established at this point, but His birth was not. December 25 was eventually settled as the day Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth, Christmas. Jesus became the brightest light in the darkest times for the people at that time. Advent came along later as a means of preparation for Christmas with specific themes tied to dates leading up for Christmas. As Christians today, we use these themes to help us remember the reasons for Christ’s coming on Earth. In these coming weeks we’ll be digging deep into the most common themes of Advent which are, Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy.
Hope that in a dark and defeated land, our deliverer is JESUS. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-7).
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
We also meditate on the truth that God sent His very own son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16-19). Jesus is our light in the darkness, the hope of salvation for all. And He does that all out of Love for the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”
Jesus’ coming down to Earth gives us peace because His mission was to die for our sins (Colossians 1:20), thus making peace between us and God. He gave us freedom from sin and that gives us inner peace. As Christians, we’re also called to live in peace with each other (Matthew 5:9).
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus’s long awaited arrival on Earth gave the shepherds joy (Matthew 2:10-11) and we also rejoice that Jesus has come, and He came for us.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
This is the time of Jesus’ coming to Earth. The long-expected, long-prophesied, Jesus. Hope for all the world, Prince of peace, desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Thank you Lord Jesus for being Emmanuel, God with us. Amen
