ADVENT – the Christmas season
As part of our celebrating the coming of Jesus we will be observing the season of Advent together in our corporate worship gatherings as well as making some tools available to help families observe at home.
What is Advent?
Advent comes from the latin word Adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival”. It is a season of preparation for Christmas that lasts around four weeks. It is a time to prepare our hearts in celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus. It is also a time to look forward in anticipation to our Savior’s promised second coming!
In a season that is busy with shopping, family, meals, decorating, and traveling, we need to be reminded of what all the busyness is about….or at least what it should be about. We are celebrating the greatest story every told. Observing Advent is a way to interrupt the busyness and direct our hearts and minds toward Jesus. It’s designed to help us remember what God has done for us. It is a way for us to connect our hearts to the anticipation that our ancestors felt as they eagerly awaited the coming messiah. It is also a way for us to ponder and pray for Jesus’ return.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – John 14:1-3
So rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel (God with us) has come to rescue sinners like you and me. He is coming again. Let us believe in Him, that we might enjoy the place he has prepared for us for all eternity.
Invitation
Come celebrate Advent with us on Sunday Mornings at John Ross Elementary, November 29 – December 20 at 10:30am. Then, plan to attend one of our Christmas Eve Services on December 24th at 4pm or 6pm. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Let’s celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus!
Resources
If you would like to celebrate Advent at home with friends or with your family, here are a couple of resources to help you.
The Village Church – Advent Guide
Good News of Great Joy – Daily Advent Readings