An introduction to Advent
November 28 marks the first of four Advent Sundays.
Many Christians celebrate Advent traditions. We embrace this time as we get ready for Christmas. This is the process of preparing to welcome the Lord into the world. It is a season when we rejoice in the light that shines in the darkness and anticipate Christ's second return. This period begins November 28th and finishes on Christmas Eve.
The meaning and symbolism of Advent
In Latin, the word "advent" signifies "coming." Four virtues are honored on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. These very between denominations, but are generally hope, love, joy, and peace.
A Message of Hope
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Matthew 2:1-12
This is what hope looks like. To not know where you are going, but to have faith and trust that your path is directed. Through that trust in a path that is ordained for you can find your way.
