The season of Advent is upon us! It is always in contrast to our experience. When we are speeding up, Advent wants us to slow down. When we are acquiring more, Advent invites us to hold onto less. When we are rushing to get things done, Advent reminds us of what God is doing.
Along with this contrast, there are also parallels to our experience. Advent is about preparation. It is about waiting. It is about anticipation. We are all busy preparing and waiting for the arrival of Christmas. Advent simply invites us to prepare differently.
Advent includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas, where we anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus. We are awaiting the arrival of the light! It is why we light the candles of the Advent wreath. It is why we picture the star in the sky.
Our theme for Advent is The Light Has a Name. In a world, where we confront darkness, we look for the light. We look for the light that shines in the darkness, where the darkness does not overcome it. We are afraid of the darkness, but we walk into the light with great assurance.
The Light has a name! It goes by more than one name, but it is the same Light. The name of the Light is hope, peace, joy, and love. We are seeking the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. It comforts, heals, and redeems!
The Light also has a name . . . Christ. We await the birth of Jesus. We anticipate the birth of Emmanuel, God-with-us. We long for the coming of Christ, or the Light of the World. Christ brings hope, peace, joy, and love!
During Advent, we open ourselves up to the Light. We open our eyes, hearts, and souls to the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. We look for the light of Christ as it leads us, changes us, and illuminates the darkness of this world. The Light has a name!
-Tripp