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Advent

The word “advent” is rooted in a Latin word simply meaning, “coming”. Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. This side of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, we are able to celebrate this season of advent in two distinct ways. We look back and identify with those that awaited and longed for the arrival of the Messiah foretold to them. We do this from a perspective infused with knowing that God, in His faithfulness, provided that Messiah in Jesus, just as the Scriptures prophesied. We also look ahead, in expectation and longing for the second coming of Christ.

Advent is not a biblical mandate, but a tradition implored among the Christian tradition to set our minds and hearts on the coming of Christ. It is our prayer that in the weeks leading up to the day on which we celebrate the birth of Christ, that you and your family would take time to meditate on God’s Word together and to adore the Son and His advent, which brought us rescue and redemption. Through the coming weeks, we will look closer into the implications of advent, that Christ provided, in Himself, hope, peace, joy and love. We experience a glimpse of these things in the earthly realm, as they ultimately find their source in Christ. He is the Hope of the World, the Prince of Peace, the Fullness of Joy and the Lover of our Souls.

Families With Young Children

Christmas is probably the most anticipated season of all for children, so they understand the idea of expectant waiting all too well. KIDS, Have you ever heard the term "advent"? It means coming! Can you think of anything that is coming soon? (Christmas) Are you excited that Christmas is coming soon? What are you most excited about? Is there anything we as a family usually do to prepare for Christmas? (discuss family traditions that you do ahead of time to help prepare for Christmas) What are some new ideas you have of ways we can prepare for Christmas? (allow kids to give ideas)

Read Isaiah 9:2-7. KIDS, Who are these verses talking about coming? (Jesus) Why do we celebrate Christmas? (Jesus' birth) Many waited in anticipation for a long time for Jesus, the Messiah, to come. We also anticipate Jesus coming back again someday.

Read Matthew 24:30-31. KIDS, How do those verses describe Jesus coming back again? (on clouds, in power, great glory, trumpets sounding, angels gathering) Does it sound like we should look ahead in expectation of Jesus' second coming?