We have been watching our kids "tick-off" every completed exam and seen the end draw nearer, day by day. There is something satisfying in doing this - I guess it is the feeling of fulfilment and the desire to complete the goal, and then we all get to celebrate when it is done!
We do the same kind of thing when we are planning a holiday or longing for a special occasion. We countdown the days until the big moment arrives. Each day is 24 hours nearer to the anticipated joy.
And so, as Christians we begin our own version of the 'Countdown' today. Advent is the season of expectation and preparing for Christ's coming. Of course, we do this with two main motives - to celebrate the birth of the Messiah on Christmas morning and also to remind ourselves that Christ will come again.
Advent stems from the Latin word 'adventus', which means the 'coming' and from what we can tell was first celebrated in the 4th Century. According to the Gospel Coalition, The Council of Sargossa (in 380AD) meet to discuss various heresies in the church and there is mention of Advent in those meetings. The council was not committed to any specific dating of Advent, though, and only suggested people attend church daily between December 17 and 29.
As we continue this journey through Advent, I will be sharing various thoughts, insights and reflections in relation to this season. It is my hope that this will make our experience of Christmas a meaningful one.
Psalm 119:116 - Sustain me, my God, according to your promise,
and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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