Wikipedia describes Advent as “a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”. Advent is not a word to be found in the Bible, but was designed by the early church to signify a momentous Biblical truth. The LORD Jesus has come. Why was this so significant?

Today we hold the whole of scripture in our hands, the Old Testament and the New. Throughout both the key figure is the LORD. He is known by several names given to God’s chosen people Israel. Let us note that these Israelites were not chosen on the basis of their great accomplishments or particular intellect. In fact we do not know why they, above any other people groups, were “chosen”. We do know that although God’s choice seems at first glance to be exclusive, He made His intention clear from the very beginning. When He called Abraham out of Ur, God stated He would include all nations in His Divine plan (Genesis 12:3).

God’s design was to develop a nation of people who would truly worship Him, preparatory to the Advent which, from the beginning, He knew would be necessary. It had not taken long for mankind to succumb to temptation, a choice that gives everyone, to this day, the knowledge of good and evil.

Many good people lived in the centuries between Adam and Christ. However, the general bent was for man to displease God, to rebel against His laws, to worship other gods and to destroy one another. The world became so dark that God nearly annihilated all mankind. His own chosen people were dispersed throughout the then-known world, away from their land, away from their centre of worship. Just as He is doing today, God gave people over to the evil desires of their hearts (Romans 1:24).

At last it was time! Into a very dark world came the light of life (John 1:4-5). The advent of Jesus brought both light and life. Hope! The yearning heart of God would be satisfied. Through Jesus Christ a people responsible for spreading the light of the gospel would be “born again” – people who celebrated the advent of holiness into an evil world. What a contrast!

It is enough to say Jesus was the fulfilment of prophesy. This is why His coming – His advent, is remembered more than 2,000 years later as the pivotal point in history. Satan has tried in every way to get rid of Jesus, because once He came to earth He continued to indwell His people through His Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Believers continue to crush the head of the serpent, who writhes in his attempts to darken the doors of churches, and the hearts of men.

But for the advent of our LORD, it is quite possible that Satan’s strikes would have endangered mankind forever. However, the purposes, the Word, and promises of God must not be overlooked. God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Reflection:

How many children keep an advent calendar? Perhaps some adults do too. Does it focus on the baby Jesus? Or does this season of advent mean simply a moment to rush around purchasing gifts and food, decorating homes and squeezing in the occasional moment to carol songs about the Christmas spirit? How many people have the real spirit of Christmas, a spirit of peace and good will to all? Have our traditions burdened our spirits into a seasonal grumpiness because of all the obligations family and friends have placed upon us? What do our hearts sing about the Advent of Jesus?

by Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net