This is the wonderful message of the Incarnation – that Jesus Christ was born into human history in the fullness of time for the salvation of the world. We begin the Christian Year with the First Sunday of Advent, which this year is December 3. Advent is a time of waiting, of preparation, and begins on the first of the four Sundays before Christmas. This season proclaims and prepares us for the comings of Christ – both the first as a baby in a manger and the second as a risen Lord and King who will return in final victory.
Advent is not just a prelude to Christmas, although Christmas always comes at the end of Advent. Instead, Advent is a time to prepare, to reflect, to regroup as God’s people, and to contemplate the wonders of such a miraculous event. During Advent, we read scripture and sing songs that help us focus on those expectations, such as “Come, thou Long Expected Jesus” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. As the time moves closer to Christmas – to the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child and the shepherds and the wise men and all, the scripture, the liturgy, and the songs will become more about his birth, such as “Joy to the World”, “O Come, all ye Faithful” and “Silent Night.”
The visual environment of the worship area is transformed to bring us closer to his presence. The Advent wreath, with its four blue candles and a large white Christ candle in the middle, will be lit one candle each week. There will be a lot of fresh magnolias, boxwood, holly, herbs, apples, poinsettia, candles, and a Christmon tree with all the decorations and different symbols of Christ. Please take a moment to look over the tree and notice the windows, the wreaths, and the candles. The colors of Advent are royal blue and gold, and the colors of Christmas are white and gold. Notice the words of the carols – they have wonderful theology, such as “Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace, hail the Son of Righteousness. Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings…” (UMH # 240 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, verse 3)
As it is reported in Luke 2:10 -11, the angel told the shepherds that night, “ I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord!”
This is what Christmas is all about – “O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.”