Posted by: District Evangelist Brian Sigmund

The time of Advent is recognized in Christianity and begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the nearest Sunday to November 30 and ends on Christmas Eve. (December 24)

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. The focus of the season is in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.  Our spiritual advent is our preparation and anticipation of the return of Christ in His second coming, known as the return of Christ or the rapture.  

The greatest gift God ever gave, was His only begotten Son who was born out of love for all. (cf. John 3: 16)

The Prophet who lived about 700 years BC, already foretold of Christ’s coming and His birth in a simple and humble way in the little town of Bethlehem. (cf. Micah 5: 2)

Let the Advent joy live in our hearts. Many suffer and go through unpleasant circumstances during this Christmas time and so the Advent joy cannot be tied to the calendar only. The true Advent joy comes from our faith and the fact that God sent His Son. The Angel said that His name will be called Immanuel, which translated means “God with us” (cf. Matthew 1: 23)

Let us have this joy in our hearts, that God sent His Son to save us and who remains very close to us.  He will send His Son again to receive us as His bride and we will be with Him forever, to be there where He is. (cf. John 14: 3)

During this special time of Advent, let us reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.  With great joy and anticipation we keep the promise of His return active in our hearts and actively prepare for the day of the Lord.

Together we recognize that He is the greatest, most perfect gift ever given for all humankind. He suffered and gave His life that we may be given the opportunity to live eternally with Him. He wants to help everyone come to Him. (cf. Matthew 11: 28)

May our faith increase and true Advent joy manifest itself in and through us, not only during this Advent season but throughout the entire year.