The word ‘advent’ in Latin means ‘coming’, and so the advent season is when we look forward to celebrating the coming of Jesus into the world.
Many churches light an advent candle on each of the four Sundays of advent, and a central fifth candle on Christmas Day. Worship during advent is almost like a round up of all things that Christmas represents to Christians, with the candles representing the light of God coming to earth as the Christ-child, to fill the world with hope, peace, joy and love.
For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
John 3:16 (The Passion Translation)
For me, the above words from John 3:16 sum up the gifts that Jesus brings us – hope, peace, joy and love. Without God sending His Son to earth on that first Christmas morning, would we ever have known true love, and hope of an everlasting life?
Christmas is not about what gifts we receive, or the gifts we give to others, it’s about Jesus coming to to live as one of us. It’s about celebrating the love that Jesus showed the world, the hope and joy that He brought, and the peace that we can experience when we accept His love for us. It’s how the world can understand what true love is all about.
For all who wait For all who hunger For all who've prayed For all who wonder Behold your King Behold Messiah Emmanuel, Emmanuel
The Distinct Dot 