Today, we begin that wondrous season of preparing ourselves spiritually for our annual celebration of Christ’s birth. Yes, I know that the world in which we live began its preparation for Christmas several weeks ago, but the preparation called for during the season of Advent, encourages us to go far beyond shopping for gifts and organizing festive gatherings. The season of Advent encourages us to ready our minds and our hearts for the coming of Christ into our lives in a personal and powerful way. During worship on this first Sunday of Advent, we light the first Advent candle, the candle of hope, recalling these words of the prophet, Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined….For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom to establish it and uphold it with righteousness, from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.”
The people of Isaiah’s day hoped for a Messiah who would establish God’s reign and rule throughout the world. Their hopes were answered as a young woman named, Mary, conceived and gave birth to a son, who was called, Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. What do you hope for this Advent season…for our community….for our world….for your family….for yourself? If your hope is for a light of hope to shine through the darkness, for peace that calms the storms life casts our way, for a God whose love and grace knows no bound, then hear the good news: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son has been given.” His name is Jesus, and it is in and through him that we find the fulfillment of “the hopes and fears of all our years.” Thanks be to God!
Prayer:
God of our hope, we praise you for the gift of Jesus Christ, and pray that as we begin this Advent season, that you will come to us, yet again, and fill us with your gracious presence. Amen.
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