WEEKLY COMMENTARY: Why Do We Need Four Weeks of ADVENT Before the Big Celebration of Christmas?

Last Sunday (December 13) was the third of four Sundays when we celebrate ADVENT.  I remembered from my youth that ADVENT comes every year at about this time, but there are so many special days in our church calendar, I usually was not sure why or what we were celebrating.  I did figure out that it had something to do with the birth of Jesus.

What is the purpose of ADVENT, and why do we celebrate ADVENT on four consecutive Sundays?

Basically, the purpose of ADVENT is to "set the stage" for Christmas, when we will go all out in celebrating God's entry into human lives ---- the birth of Jesus.

How does ADVENT "set the stage" for Christmas?

Pastor Mark Roberts, in a recent issue of The Presbyterian Outlook, offers a three-part answer:

     1.) ADVENT emphasizes dimensions of our relationship with God that we sometimes neglect.  As Pastor Roberts says,"In ADVENT, we feel what it is like for the children of Israel to long for a savior.  Also we get in touch with our own yearning for the future coming of the Lord, when he will establish justice, wipe away every tear and bring the fullness of his peace. In ADVENT worship, we shall pay attention to the experience of waiting for God, rather than just rushing on to the next religious activity."

     2.) ADVENT can help us resist the cultural tug to secularize the Christmas season.  We often feel torn between the secular and the religious dimensions of Christmas.  ADVENT helps us to focus assertively on God during the weeks before Christmas.  This is better preparation for celebrating Christmas, than trying merely to avoid secular attractions.

     3.) ADVENT reminds us of the yearning of Israel for the Messiah.  Through such reflection we are reminded of just how much we also need a Shepherd to watch over us, a Savior to forgive us and a Redeemer to deliver us.  Thus, ADVENT helps prepare us for a truer and more heart-felt celebration of Christmas.

So, during ADVENT worship next week, look for the ADVENT wreath with its four large candles.  The candles symbolize our search for HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE.  They are all lighted on Christmas Eve in our joyful greeting to the baby Jesus.  

If we are truly attentive, ADVENT can deepen our relationship with God, enriching our worship experience at Christmas time, and long thereafter.

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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue some personal spiritual growth this winter at CPC.

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