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THE MEANING OF ADVENT

November 28, 2011 - 5:21pm
Advent means “A coming, an arrival of an important event or person, a thing about to happen.”  Last Sunday we began our month-long journey toward the celebration of the birth of Christ, this special event anticipated by old and young alike.  For the church, Advent Season is special because it marks the beginning of our look at special attributes the writer of Hebrews calls “… things that accompany salvation.” (Heb. 6:9)  We’re using an advent wreath with four candles symbolizing Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as the center of our focus as we move toward the first lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. 
Last Sunday we began our consideration by lighting the hope candle.  Someone has said, for believers, “Hope is a trustful expectation with reference to the fulfillment of God’s promises.”  From our study of Hebrews, one of the most meaningful symbolisms for me was seeing hope as an anchor. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”  (Heb. 6: 19-20.)  In our study we noted a “Kedge” anchor has a winch attached which, when the anchor is secure, draws a ship away from danger toward safety.  Hope does this for us as believers.  As we hope in the promise of God and look toward the birth of Jesus our savior, that hope draws us into communion with the Father.  Christ has opened the way for us.  Through His Spirit the Father gives us assurance His promise has been fulfilled in the birth of His Son, the Christ Child.  Yet we hope, knowing we still wait by faith, for the fulfillment of the eternal promise.
Next Sunday we light the Peace candle.  You are welcome to join us in our journey toward the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.  As Kevin, our worship leader mentioned, we look forward to the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve.  We’re planning a special candle-light service for that evening so plan now to make this Christmas special by being in God’s house with His people.            Pastor Marv