Issue 921 – Advent – Week 1 – November 28, 2022

Merry Christ-moose

Merry Christ-moose. Okay, I know that’s a terrible pun, but I have had this image for a couple of years and have been waiting for the opportunity to use it.

Yesterday marked the first Sunday of the 2022 Advent season. According to one source, “The name was adopted from Latin adventus “coming; arrival,” translating Greek parousia. In the New Testament, this is the term used for the Second Coming of Christ. Thus, the season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the “coming of Christ” from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.”

We spend the next four weeks celebrating the first coming of Jesus and anticipating His return. We will be surrounded by all the hype of music, lights, parties and gift-buying frenzies. It’s the season of Christmas movies and Christmas carols. None of those things is necessarily bad in and of themselves, except perhaps the madness. Still, we all know they are not the reason for the season.

The celebration of Advent in December is an arbitrary choice on behalf of the church. Most historians would make the case that the Christ child was born in the Spring. Still, regardless of the date, our celebration is of the coming, not the specific day.

Even many non-Christians count down the days with an Advent Calendar, with the idea that they are counting down the days until Christmas. While that is true in a sense, they miss the more profound reason to celebrate.

Family, fun, big dinners, gifts, and the idea of peace on earth are all good reasons to celebrate. The Coming of Christ outweighs them all.

The first Sunday of Advent is typically the celebration of the light. The Light of the World has come and is returning.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Because of that light, we are the light.

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

We don’t produce light. Jesus is the light, and we radiate it working in us for His glory. Perhaps the best we can celebrate the Light is to be His reflection in the world.

During this advent season, may you show the light and people be drawn to Him.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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