Advent time

Advent was not a term i grew up with as a part of my "church language" I had heard of it through school and friends but honestly was not until had reached a "mature age" (which is ????) did I get a better understanding of its true meaning.

Today, i am excited about the meaning of Advent has in my personal life. It is the special season of waiting and watching, a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas. It's a season of preparation for Christmas, much as Lent is a season of preparation for Easter. It is our yearn for God's completion of the salvation begun in Christ. In it we not only look back to the experience of Israel but look forward to Christ's 2nd coming.

As much excitement that i have fostered for many years to be a part of the "reason for the season" in our purchasing & giving, the true meaning had eluded me in some sense. Today, by recognizing Advent, focusing on its themes, the use its distinctive colors Advent has given me a way to enrich my celebration of Christmas and, even more importantly, my relationship with God.

This season, may we be awakened to celebrate the light, the Incarnation, the redemption, love and soon return for His bride.

Enjoy the season....

Oh, the Wonder "Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. King of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son. Oh, the wonder of Christmas." C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)