Advent – Week One

Advent. We’ve heard the word but what does it mean and how do we participate? The word is derived from the Latin word, “adventus”, meaning, “coming” and by the 6^th century, Roman Christians had tied it to the coming of Jesus. For Christians today, the season of Advent comprises the four weeks leading up to Christmas with each week focusing on a different topic: Week 1 – Hope or Promise, Week 2 – Preparation or Waiting, Week 3 – Joy or Peace and Week 4 – Love or Adoration. Also, each week is highlighted by the lighting of an Advent Candle which we see in the image above. We will look at these topics beginning today.

The first Sunday of Advent – HOPE. From the prophesy of the Prophet Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7).

The people in Isaiah’s time were looking for HOPE. Today, we are looking for HOPE. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). They were hoping for the arrival of a Savior, and He came as a baby. We are hoping for His second coming, and it will happen. Celebrate Christmas in faith as we focus on HOPE this week.