What is Advent?
- Advent is about remembrance and preparation. It is about looking forward to Christ’s second coming and remembering His first coming.
Did you know?
- Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1), his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (John 1:29), and his first miracle at Cana (John 2:1). During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas.
A Message of Peace
We want the fruit of the spirit. These fruits are what draw us closer to God. Preparation is how we tap into all the fruits, but most especially peace. Think about anything you want to do in life. Getting married, having kids, running a marathon, buying a house, etc. all these things require preparation. Having peace in our lives every day requires preparation. Preparation is about learning how to fend off the enemy so that we can maintain the peace we receive. We must let our flesh be crucified. This week is about focusing on peace and how we can have it beyond today and tomorrow, but for all our days. This is a representation of Christ’s life.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:22-24 NIV
