Why Advent?
Church Family,
As we enter the beautiful season of Advent, we are filled with anticipation and excitement here at Bethesda Church. Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a season filled with hope, love, joy, and peace, and today, I want to share with you the significance of why we celebrate Advent.
The Meaning of Advent:
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." It is a season that lasts for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and it serves as a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent is also a time when we eagerly await Christ's second coming, when He will return to establish His kingdom in all its fullness.
The Advent Wreath:
One of the most visible symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. It consists of four candles, three purple or blue candles, and one pink candle, each representing different aspects of our faith.
1. The First Purple Candle - Hope: This candle represents the hope we have in Christ's first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and our hope in His return. It reminds us of the anticipation and longing for the Messiah.
2. The Second Purple Candle - Love: This candle signifies the love of God, which sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. It reminds us of the profound love God has for each one of us.
3. The Pink Candle - Joy: The pink candle represents the joy that fills our hearts because of the good news of Christ's birth. It reminds us of the angels' proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" to the shepherds.
4. The Third Purple Candle - Peace: This candle symbolizes the peace that Christ brings into our lives. It reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and through Him, we can experience true peace in our hearts.
The Advent Calendar:
Many families also use Advent calendars during this season to count down the days until Christmas. Each day, a small door is opened to reveal a Bible verse, a short reflection, or a piece of chocolate, helping us focus on the story of Jesus' birth.
The Importance of Advent:
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a time to deepen our relationship with God. It encourages us to reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth, to prepare our hearts to receive Him, and to renew our commitment to follow Him faithfully.
During Advent, we take a break from the busyness of the world and spend time in prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. It is a season of spiritual renewal and a reminder that Jesus is the center of our lives.
To Conclude:
As we embark on this journey through Advent, may we focus on the hope, love, joy, and peace that Jesus brings into our lives. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome Him with open arms and share His love with others.
We invite you to join us at Bethesda in Sacramento as we celebrate this special season of Advent together. Let us come together in worship, prayer, and fellowship as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child with joy and gratitude.
May the blessings of Advent fill your homes and hearts with the peace and love of our Savior.
In Christ's love,
Pastor Micah Moreno
As we enter the beautiful season of Advent, we are filled with anticipation and excitement here at Bethesda Church. Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a season filled with hope, love, joy, and peace, and today, I want to share with you the significance of why we celebrate Advent.
The Meaning of Advent:
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." It is a season that lasts for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and it serves as a time of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent is also a time when we eagerly await Christ's second coming, when He will return to establish His kingdom in all its fullness.
The Advent Wreath:
One of the most visible symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. It consists of four candles, three purple or blue candles, and one pink candle, each representing different aspects of our faith.
1. The First Purple Candle - Hope: This candle represents the hope we have in Christ's first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and our hope in His return. It reminds us of the anticipation and longing for the Messiah.
2. The Second Purple Candle - Love: This candle signifies the love of God, which sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. It reminds us of the profound love God has for each one of us.
3. The Pink Candle - Joy: The pink candle represents the joy that fills our hearts because of the good news of Christ's birth. It reminds us of the angels' proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" to the shepherds.
4. The Third Purple Candle - Peace: This candle symbolizes the peace that Christ brings into our lives. It reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and through Him, we can experience true peace in our hearts.
The Advent Calendar:
Many families also use Advent calendars during this season to count down the days until Christmas. Each day, a small door is opened to reveal a Bible verse, a short reflection, or a piece of chocolate, helping us focus on the story of Jesus' birth.
The Importance of Advent:
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a time to deepen our relationship with God. It encourages us to reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth, to prepare our hearts to receive Him, and to renew our commitment to follow Him faithfully.
During Advent, we take a break from the busyness of the world and spend time in prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. It is a season of spiritual renewal and a reminder that Jesus is the center of our lives.
To Conclude:
As we embark on this journey through Advent, may we focus on the hope, love, joy, and peace that Jesus brings into our lives. Let us prepare our hearts to welcome Him with open arms and share His love with others.
We invite you to join us at Bethesda in Sacramento as we celebrate this special season of Advent together. Let us come together in worship, prayer, and fellowship as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child with joy and gratitude.
May the blessings of Advent fill your homes and hearts with the peace and love of our Savior.
In Christ's love,
Pastor Micah Moreno
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