The Invitation of Advent
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
-Isaiah 9:2-5 [ESV]
Advent, which begins the church's liturgical year, began on Sunday, November 27. This season encompasses the days leading up to the celebration of Christmas. But for many, this is a brand-new concept. Let us consider three invitations of Advent.
Advent is an invitation to look within ourselves as we gaze at the faithfulness of God and invite Him to prepare our hearts to receive His coming again.
01. A Time To Reflect
Many people approach this season with excitement because it means traditions and reflections on memories of Christmas past that they will attempt to replicate. But may we not forget the One who truly does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). But let us also consider that we should not remain the same. Advent is an invitation to look within ourselves as we gaze at the faithfulness of God and invite Him to prepare our hearts to receive His coming again.
02. A Time To Remember
We are addicted to fast-paced lifestyles. We run from moment to moment. Person to person. Task to task. Advent intends to wake us up from the vortex of busyness and invite us to sit in the stillness of peace. We remember how God sent His son into the world - a baby in a humble manger. The Prince of Peace came in the most unexpected way to usher in salvation. The church is offered an invitation to remember the first Advent - the baby- and the one to come - the King.
03. A Time To Remain
And finally, Advent is a time to remain. To remain in the Word becoming flesh, the promises of the coming kingdom, and the mission in between. The church must stay anchored in the truth that the battle is won, but it is not over. The mission to continue to believe the gospel, to proclaim the gospel, and to become the gospel should still be at the forefront of the church.
Let us remember, reflect and remain this Advent season as we join together and sing:
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.