Advent and you

Our culture is so consumed with Christmas we forget the blessed season of Advent. Advent has an ancient historical background. It is hidden 400 years between the Old and New Testaments where God’s people were bitterly persecuted by the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes. Before that it goes back 4000 years when God’s people waited in their despair and hopelessness for God to come into the world as eternal deliverer from sin and death.

Advent means “come”! We wait for God to come and deliver in our circumstances. We are all guilty of impatience toward God and neighbor. Two thousand years ago He came to save by his blessed manger and cross. Between manger and cross He did all things correctly to save us from our incorrect thoughts, words, and deeds. He was abused and bruised on Calvary’s cross for our guilt. He is risen from the dead and invites our reception of His eternal gifts. Every Lord’s Day these gifts are delivered as we await His ultimate coming to judge the living and the dead. Just as when we wait for the doctor or dentist we find something to occupy the moments, so in this time of the Church we work while waiting to celebrate another Christmas. We also worship while waiting for the grand reunion where all who love His appearing will be gathered together. Pains, disappointments, sorrows, and worries about tomorrow will be no more. In this Advent season work in joy and worship in gladness. His gifts are for you now and waiting is not necessary. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! See you Sunday.