The Beginning of Advent

I read a wonderful Advent devotional yesterday prepared by Rev. Dr.  Mark D. Roberts.  I thought you all might enjoy this wonderful piece.  Enjoy!  Advent is one of my most favorite parts of the Christmas season.  I love Christmas....but not because of the hype, advertisements, gifts, and all.  Nope, I love advent because it is all about the preparation of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.   "Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping.  Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas.  (The word “advent” comes from the Latin word that means “coming.”) For hundreds of years Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ.  By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives. There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ).  Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle.  The purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God’s people have been in waiting for the Messiah.  The pink signifies the joy of our waiting.  The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born."  Today at Church we lit the first candle.  It is the candle that signifies our waiting for the shepherd.  Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”.  In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus.  The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible.  These meanings help us to understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us. Today when we lit our first candle we focused on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.  My prayer today is, "Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ’s coming burn in our hearts.  Amen."    I hope as we move into this Christmas season you will all be filled with the love and joy of Christ....and take it with you throughout the year.  God Bless You All!