What Is Advent Season?

As you travelled to church on Sunday morning, I hope you noticed the two signs on our front fence and lawn signalling the beginning of Advent season. So, what is Advent season?

Advent is a four-week season of spiritual reflection on the foundations of the Christian faith. It celebrates the arrival of Jesus and anticipates His return. 

During this time Christians praise God for His love for the world through the birth of His Son, Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies from the Old Testament. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The first Sunday of Advent sets the tone for the season by looking forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ. We light a candle representing the Hope Jesus brings to the world. For Christinas, Hope is secure assurance, a trust placed in a trustworthy God. 

The Israelites had hope in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They yearned for a Messiah to save them from their enemies, and ultimately, the greatest enemy: their sin. 

Like the Israelites we have faith and hope in Jesus. Hope is essential; it helps us during significant trials and times of distress. It offers us the security that God will come to our aid, and although we cannot see him now, we will one day see him face to face as written in Hebrews 11.

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see”. 

Do you know what the second Sunday of advent is about? Maybe you can check it out and compare it with next week’s Pastoral message.

Advent ideas to begin this season.

• Create a space for your wreath.
• Prepare four candles (what colours will they be?)
• Light your first candle after church   on Sunday.