Renewed by the light of Christ this Advent

Earle Harvey commented today how meaningful it is that we place the creche on the altar during Advent but without the baby in the manger. And that above this creche is likewise a cross but without the One crucified on it. The One we will celebrate at Christmas is the same One who is resurrected and victorious, and is the same One who loves you and me and the whole world!

The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival” and is the season when we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ coming into the world as our Savior. The worship music, Scripture readings, candle lighting and prayers during Advent help to prepare us for this great celebration and to go deeper in our faith. In addition, this is a special time to remember that Christ has promised to return and we will one day celebrate not only his first advent as a baby, but also his second advent as our resurrected Lord who will come in final judgment and salvation of all creation.

Therefore it is fitting that the mood of Advent is reflective, expectant and hopeful, providing a building sense of anticipation of the birth of Jesus who is the Light of the world. We will perhaps experience a bit of what Mary and Joseph experienced. They had worries and doubts. We also worry about the state of our world, our community, our families, our safety, and sometimes wonder, "where is God in all of this?" Their people were being oppressed by a foreign nation, the Roman Empire. We also experience oppression in many ways - addictions, finances, difficult work situations, illnesses. They were given what seemed to be an impossible task - to bring God's Son into the world. We also experience uphill battles as we face temptations and difficulties of every kind.

But in the midst of all that darkness and doubt, Mary and Joseph found hope in God. And as they trusted God with their very lives, they found God faithful. May we also be empowered this Advent season to place our trust in God, and to be renewed and transformed by the light of Christ.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John 8:12 12