“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (NIV)
“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.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the Temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Hm in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’” Luke 2:25-32 (NIV)
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV)
Christians celebrate the season of Advent focusing on the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s miracle birth of the long-awaited Messiah, as well as anticipation of His return as the King of kings, establishing His world-wide Kingdom. Like Isaiah 9:6 declared, Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecies found throughout the Old Testament proclaiming His purpose, details about His life like where He would be born (Micah 5:2,4), that He would flee to and return from Egypt (Matthew 2:15), and He would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).
Prophecies were supernaturally fulfilled one by one in His life. Shepherds and Magi (wise men) were even directed by angels and a star to find the infant King. Jesus’ life paralleled many Old Testament nuances, such as when 40 days after the waters receded, Noah sent out the dove to test if land was now dry enough to leave the Ark. The dove returned with an olive leaf, the symbol of peace, just as we find that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, bringing reconciliation to God for mankind. Christians ultimate peace is found in the last part of Jesus’ mission: bringing the new Jerusalem to the new earth, removing every sorrow or tear, and making everything new. (Revelation 21:1-5).
Often, an Advent wreath is used with a candle for each week and scriptures or devotions are read depicting Hope, Peace, Joy and Love-Hope for a Redeemer, Peace between God and man, Joy that there is now a way back to God, and the eternal Love of God available to His children. The first two Sundays anticipate Christ’s second coming. The last two weeks remember Jesus Christ’s birth. The weekly devotions highlight the holy Hope, Peace, Joy and Love that reside in the character of Jesus. An Advent calendar is another way to celebrate the season with preparation and scripture study. Check the guides and download on the resource noted below to help you go deeper in your Christmas celebration!
Resource:
Advent Season: What Is It and How Is It Celebrated (Complete with downloads, group study, supplies)
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