Today is the first day in the Advent Season. I grew up in a small Methodist Church in Sparks, GA and every year we would celebrate the Advent Season. As a kid I did not pay attention or really understand the meaning of it. I would even help the Pastor light the candle, but I did not know what I was doing. As I got older and we left that church I really did not think anymore about the Advent Season. Even as I became of follower of Christ and went into Vocational Ministry (full-time ministry is an oxymoron), I really did not give much thought about it.
This Christmas Season I am looking for more. I am looking past the commercialism and consumerism that has taken over our lives and this time. Advent has to be more than lighting candles or eating candy from fancy calendars. There has to be even more to this, so I am on a search.
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming. It is a season of expectation and excitement built upon the coming of Jesus. The Latin word adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. We believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure for the second coming of Christ.
I am not saying you have to celebrate Advent with me, but I am challenging you to take time and recognize the heart behind this season. Not to get so caught up in the consumerism and commercialism that has taken over. Use this time to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Do not be satisfied with what you have always done.
Through out this season I will post some Advent blogs. I am not an expect and this is the first time that I have really taken in serious. I just want to do more that celebrate Christmas.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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This is one aspect of Christmas that I have never given much thought. This has tugged at my heart and I want to join in your focus for this season!