What is Advent?

WHAT IS ADVENT? – Week 1 – HOPE

Advent means “coming or arrival” and translates from Latin.  For those of us who believe in Jesus, this represents a time of waiting.  We look back to the time when people from many years ago were waiting for a Messiah to come and save them.  For many, they thought the Messiah would be a new ruler, a new leader, to change their government situation.  They did not expect The Messiah to be a baby, born on Christmas, and laid in a manger.

Advent is a time for us to focus on Jesus.  His first coming and the fact that He is coming again!!

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.  This year, the first Sunday of Advent is today, November 28th.  Each Sunday a candle is lit and each candle represents a different word, words that direct us to Jesus.  Each Sunday adds another candle until all are lit, with the last being lit on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.  This candle is often referred to as the “Christ Candle.”

~HOPE~

The first Sunday represents Hope.  This is a reminder that we have Hope because of Jesus.  Our hope is found in Jesus.  Hope is “confident expectation”. Hope is not just hoping things will work out; it is know that it will because God is faithful.  God keeps all His promises, so we can have hope in our future because God has a plan for us all.  Just like we have discussed so many times in our Chapel Time – Wait, Trust, and Obey.  God’s plan is perfect and we can have hope if we put our trust in Him.

Another thing to think about is the flame – the light.  Jesus is the light of the world.  Focus on Him and the real reason for Christmas – Jesus.  The best gift ever!!!!

JESUS, THE BEST GIFT EVER! OUR GIFT FROM GOD!