The first day of “Advent.”
“Advent” means “coming” in Latin. It’s a time when we look back and ponder on the incarnation of Christ, when the Son of God took on human flesh, and, limiting Himself as God, became one of us. We ponder on the love of God for us. Would you let your son be crucified for the sake of humanity? The Father’s love for us is truly extraordinary. And what about the love of Christ for us? Would you give up the purity and sinlessness of Heaven and choose to live among sin and death on earth, if you had a choice? Christ did that, all the time knowing He was going to be murdered by the very ones He came to save. That’s agape love for you!
Advent is a time for us to ponder the peace that is Christ. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” John 14:27. COVID19 and every circumstance that comes against us need not rob us of our peace that the Holy Spirit gives.
And then there’s faith. If Christ had not come where would we be as Gentiles? We would probably never have had the chance to learn about God, walk with Him and know Him. The power of sin would not have been conquered by Christ’s death, and we would never have experienced the power of living a resurrected spiritual life. That’s where joy comes in. It’s different to “happiness” because we can experience God’s joy whatever circumstance we face.
At Advent we also look forward and ponder hope. Christ is coming again, but this time not to save the world, but to judge it, and usher in the fullness of His Kingdom for believers to enjoy eternally.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.