Advent Week Four: A Message of Love (Adoration) from John 3

 

We are one day early in celebrating the fourth and final week of Advent. The Advent message for the week starting tomorrow turns our focus to the theme of love and adoration, illuminated by the imminent celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This period of contemplative anticipation finds profound expression in the Gospel of John, particularly in John 3, a passage that encapsulates the essence of divine love and its manifestation in the incarnation of Christ.

John 3

John 3 is positioned within a Gospel that emphasizes the divine nature and mission of Jesus. This chapter, particularly John 3:16, is often celebrated for its succinct and powerful articulation of the Gospel message. The chapter includes the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, which explores themes of rebirth, faith, and salvation.

"1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." 22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison). 25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." 27 John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease." 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." John 3:1-36 (ESV) 

Literary Structure and Key Themes

John 3 can be divided into several key sections, each contributing to the overarching theme of divine love:

Verses 1-21: The Conversation with Nicodemus

Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus introduces the concept of being "born again" and elaborates on the spiritual nature of this rebirth. The discourse reaches a crescendo in verse 16, where the theme of God's love for the world is explicitly stated.

Verse 16: God's Love and the Gift of Jesus

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse succinctly captures the essence of God's love – a self-giving, sacrificial love that seeks the salvation of humanity.

Verses 22-36: John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus

The chapter concludes with John the Baptist's testimony, further affirming Jesus' identity and mission. John's words underscore the necessity of believing in Jesus for eternal life, reinforcing the theme of divine love.

Theological Implications

John 3, especially verse 16, profoundly encapsulates the Advent message of love. It emphasizes God's initiative in the incarnation: God sending His Son into the world as an act of love. This divine love is not abstract but is demonstrated in the tangible gift of Jesus Christ, intended for the salvation of all who believe.

Contemplation of Divine Love

Advent is a time to reflect deeply on the nature of God's love, as revealed in the incarnation of Jesus. This contemplation invites believers to appreciate the depth and breadth of God's love, which extends to all humanity.

Embracing the Gift of Jesus

The Advent season calls for a personal response to the gift of Jesus. Believers are encouraged to not only appreciate the theological implications of the incarnation but also to embrace Jesus as a personal savior and the ultimate expression of God's love.

Preparing for Christ's Coming with Love

As Advent draws to a close, the faithful are encouraged to prepare for the coming of Christ by embodying the love that God has shown. This involves acts of kindness, compassion, and self-giving, mirroring the love that is celebrated during this season.

Conclusion

John 3, particularly verse 16, offers a profound and concise summary of the Advent message of love. It invites believers to a deeper understanding of God's self-giving love as manifested in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges believers to respond to this divine love through faith, adoration, and a commitment to embodying this love in their daily lives.

Advent Week Three: A Message of Joy (Peace) from Matthew 2

 

The third week of Advent traditionally centers on the theme of joy and peace, often symbolized by the lighting of the pink candle in the Advent wreath. This joy is deeply connected with the anticipation of Christ's birth and the fulfillment of God's promises. Matthew 2 offers a narrative replete with themes of joy and peace, centered around the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that follow.

Matthew 2

The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This chapter deals with the events immediately following Jesus' birth, including the visit of the Magi, Herod's fearful reaction, and the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.

"1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son." 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more." 19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene." Matthew 2: (ESV)

Literary Structure and Key Themes

Matthew 2 can be divided into several sections, each contributing to the overarching themes of joy and peace:

Verses 1-12: The Visit of the Magi

The Magi, wise men from the East, arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn king of the Jews, having seen his star. Their journey culminates in finding Jesus, whereupon they worship him and offer gifts. This scene is marked by a profound sense of joy and adoration.

Verses 13-18: The Flight to Egypt and Massacre of the Innocents

These verses narrate the escape of the Holy Family to Egypt, prompted by a divine warning of Herod's intent to kill the child. Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem is a tragic counterpoint to the joy of the Magi's visit, highlighting the stark contrast between the peace of Christ and the turmoil of the world.

Verses 19-23: The Return to Nazareth

The chapter concludes with the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth, again in fulfillment of prophetic words.

Theological Implications

Matthew 2 presents a multifaceted view of joy and peace. The joy of the Magi in finding Jesus contrasts with the turmoil and fear incited by Herod. This juxtaposition highlights a central Christian belief: true joy and peace are found in Christ, even amidst a world of conflict and fear. The narrative underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, emphasizing Jesus as the anticipated Messiah who brings peace.

Embracing Joy in the Midst of Turmoil

The Advent season invites believers to find joy and peace in the birth of Christ, despite the often chaotic and troubled state of the world. The story of the Magi reminds us that joy is a journey, often requiring persistence and faith.

Reflection on the Cost of Peace

The events of Matthew 2 also invite reflection on the cost of peace. Herod's actions starkly remind us that the coming of Christ into the world was not without opposition and suffering. This challenges believers to consider the depth and complexity of the peace that Christ brings.

Anticipating the Fulfillment of God's Promises

The fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 2 reinforces the Advent theme of anticipation. Believers are called to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, finding joy and peace in this hope.

Conclusion

Matthew 2, with its intricate interplay of joy and turmoil, offers a profound reflection for the third week of Advent. The narrative invites believers to a deeper understanding of the joy and peace found in Christ, encouraging them to persist in their journey of faith even amidst challenges. This chapter ultimately underscores the transformative power of Christ's birth, a source of enduring joy and peace for all who embrace it.

  

Advent Week Two: A Message of Preparation (Waiting, Prophecy) from Isaiah 40

 

Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming, is marked by a profound sense of anticipation and hope. The second week of Advent traditionally focuses on the themes of preparation and prophecy, drawing significantly from the rich prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. Isaiah 40 stands as a pivotal chapter in this regard, offering a message that is both comforting and challenging, as it calls believers to prepare the way for the Lord.

Isaiah 40 marks the beginning of what scholars often refer to as "Deutero-Isaiah" (Isaiah 40-55), a section of the book that addresses the hope of deliverance and restoration for the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. This chapter introduces a shift from the messages of judgment, which are prevalent in the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, to messages of comfort and hope.

"1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." 6 A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" 10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? 14 Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. 18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? 19 An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. 20 He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. 21 Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; 23 who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:1-31 (ESV) 

Literary Structure and Key Themes

Isaiah 40 is poetically structured and can be divided into several sections, each contributing to the overarching theme of preparation for God's coming:

Verses 1-2: Comfort for God's People

These verses begin with a divine command to comfort God's people. The language used here implies a deep empathy and understanding of the suffering endured by the Israelites.

Verses 3-5: The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness

This section introduces a voice that calls for the preparation of the Lord's way. The imagery of valleys being lifted up and mountains made low suggests a radical transformation of the world in anticipation of God's arrival. This passage is later applied to John the Baptist in the New Testament (Matthew 3:3).

Verses 6-8: The Transience of Humanity and the Eternity of God's Word

The frailty of humanity is contrasted with the enduring nature of God's word. This emphasizes the reliability and unchanging nature of God's promises.

Verses 9-11: The Herald of Good News

These verses depict a messenger bringing good news of God's reign. The portrayal of God as a shepherd illustrates His care and gentleness towards His people.

Verses 12-31: The Greatness of God

The chapter concludes by extolling the greatness of God, encouraging the people to trust in His power and providence.

Theological Implications

The message of Isaiah 40 resonates deeply with Advent themes. The call to prepare the way for the Lord aligns with the Advent focus on readying hearts and minds for Christ's coming. The contrast between human frailty and the enduring word of God reinforces the Christian hope in the eternal promises of God, a hope that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Reflection and Preparation

In the context of Advent, Isaiah 40 invites believers to a time of reflection and spiritual preparation. This preparation involves repentance, a reorientation of one's life towards God, and an active anticipation of Christ's coming. The imagery of making straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3) symbolizes this spiritual journey.

Embracing the Prophetic Message

The prophetic message of Isaiah 40 is not just historical but also eschatological. It points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Advent becomes a time to delve deeper into the prophetic Scriptures, recognizing in them the unfolding plan of God for salvation.

Hope in the Midst of Challenges

The assurance of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as depicted in Isaiah 40, provides comfort and hope, especially in times of uncertainty and struggle. The Advent season, therefore, becomes a time to renew one's faith in God's promises, remembering that, like the Israelites, believers too are on a journey towards redemption.

Conclusion

This Advent message, rooted in the theological and historical context of Isaiah 40, seeks to inspire a deeper engagement with the season's themes of waiting, prophecy, and preparation. The message of Isaiah, echoing through the centuries, remains as relevant and powerful today as it was to its original audience.

Isaiah 40, with its profound imagery and hopeful message, is the Advent scripture for the second week of Advent. It calls the faithful to a deeper understanding of God's plan and invites them to participate actively in preparing the way for the Lord. In doing so, it encapsulates the essence of Advent: a season of waiting, preparation, and hopeful anticipation for the coming of Christ.

Advent Week One: A Message of Hope and Promise from Isaiah 9

 

In the first week of Advent, as we light the first candle on our Advent wreaths, our hearts and minds are drawn to the profound message of hope and promise encapsulated in Isaiah 9. This sacred time invites us to meditate on the profound truths and the profound promises God has offered through His Word.

As we embark on this Advent journey, let us turn our attention to the prophecy of Isaiah, a beacon of hope in a time of darkness. Isaiah 9, a cornerstone of Advent readings, speaks directly to the promise of the coming Messiah, a promise that stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His unchanging love for His people.

Reflection on Isaiah 9

"1  But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 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. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV) 

Isaiah 9, particularly verses 2-7, presents a powerful and hope-filled prophecy. It begins with a depiction of a people who have walked in darkness but have seen a great light. This light, emerging in the midst of profound darkness, symbolizes the coming of Jesus Christ, bringing hope and joy to a world ensnared by sin and despair.

"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" (Isaiah 9:2, ESV). These words resonate with a profound truth that transcends time. They remind us that, in every era, God's light breaks into our world's darkness, offering hope and guiding us toward His love and truth.

Isaiah's prophecy foretells the birth of a child destined to bear the weight of governance on His shoulders. This child is identified with magnificent titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Each title reflects a unique aspect of Jesus' character and His divine mission.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).

Hope in the Biblical Context

The concept of hope is central to the theology and narrative of the Bible, embodying a fundamental aspect of the human relationship with God. In both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament, hope encompasses a sense of trust, expectation, and patience in God's promises and faithfulness. The etymology and use of the words for "hope" in Hebrew and Koine Greek, the original languages of the Bible, offer rich insights into its theological and practical implications.

In exploring the concept of hope within the Old Testament, it is essential to consider not only the word תקוה "tikvah" but also the word יחל "yakhal." Both words, though differing slightly in nuance, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the biblical notion of hope.

The Hebrew verb יחל "yakhal" conveys the idea of waiting or hoping. It is often associated with the expectation of something that is yet to happen, which may or may not be certain. The term encapsulates an aspect of hope that involves patience and a longing for a particular outcome.

יחל "Yakhal" is used in contexts where there is an anticipation or waiting, often for God's action or intervention. Unlike "tikvah," which tends to have a more concrete sense of expectation based on a promised outcome, "yakhal" can sometimes carry a sense of longing or yearning, even when the outcome is not as certain.

Examples:

Job 14:14: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait (yakhal), till my renewal should come." Here, the word expresses a deep yearning and a hopeful waiting for renewal.

Psalm 33:18: "Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope (yakhal) in his steadfast love." In this context, "yakhal" is used to describe a hopeful waiting on God’s love, a waiting that is rooted in reverence and trust.

"תקוה "tikvah" stems from the root קוה "qavah" and carries a sense of anticipation and expectation. It implies a waiting for something that is expected to happen, grounded in a promise or a known outcome. תקוה "Tikvah" often appears in contexts that emphasize certainty in God's promises and faithfulness. It suggests a confident expectation and a firm assurance in what God will do.

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (tikvah)." This verse uses "tikvah" to convey a confident expectation in God's plans for well-being and a future.

Joshua 2:18: "Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's household." The scarlet cord, or "tikvah," symbolizes a concrete hope and assurance of safety.

In the Old Testament Hebrew, "yakhal" and "tikvah" together provide a rich tapestry of meaning for the concept of hope. While "yakhal" emphasizes a more general sense of waiting or longing, often with an element of uncertainty, "tikvah" offers a more confident expectation based on God’s promises. Both terms highlight key aspects of the biblical understanding of hope: it is not just wishful thinking, but a deeply rooted trust in God, whether in certainty (tikvah) or in times of uncertainty and longing (yakhal). These nuances provide a profound depth to the biblical narrative and the believer's experience of hope in God's faithfulness and promises.

In the New Testament, written in Koine Greek, the word most often translated as "hope" is ἐλπίς "elpis." ἐλπίς conveys expectation and trust. It is not merely a wishful desire but an anticipation of something certain, though not yet seen. ἐλπίς in the New Testament often refers to the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ and the coming Kingdom of God. This hope is characterized by its assurance and confidence, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the promises of God. A key verse is Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (elpis)."

The biblical concept of hope, as seen through its Hebrew and Greek roots, is far more robust than the often fleeting and uncertain hope found in everyday usage. Biblical hope is characterized by certainty and expectation. It is not a passive waiting but an active anticipation of what God has promised. This hope is central to the Christian faith, serving as a foundational principle for understanding God's plan for humanity, the nature of faith, and the believer's response to life's challenges. In both testaments, hope is inseparably linked to faith in God and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ, embodying a confident assurance in His promises and a steadfast expectation of their fulfillment.

Embracing the Message of Hope

This first week of Advent, let us embrace the hope that Isaiah's prophecy brings. In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and turmoil, the promise of Christ's coming offers a steadfast anchor. It reassures us that God's plan is unfolding, guided by His wisdom, power, and unending love.

As we reflect on the message of Isaiah 9, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of hope. This hope is not a fleeting sentiment but a profound trust in God's promises, a belief that He is at work in our world and in our lives, guiding us toward a future filled with His grace and peace.

As we await the celebration of Christ's Nativity and anticipate His glorious return, may the hope and promise of Isaiah 9 fill our hearts and minds. Let this prophecy remind us of God's eternal faithfulness and His unceasing desire to bring light into our lives. May the hope of Christ's coming renew our spirits, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to live as bearers of His light in a world in need of His love and truth.

May this Advent season be for you a time of joyful anticipation and deep reflection as we journey together towards the celebration of the greatest gift ever given – Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

2023 Advent

 

Advent, a period of profound spiritual significance in the Christian calendar, is an annual season marked by expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the anticipation of His Second Coming. Advent 2023 presents an opportunity for believers to engage deeply with this tradition, tracing its historical roots, understanding its symbolism, participating in its traditions, and reflecting on its theological implications.

Advent 2023 - The Dates for This Year

The season of Advent traditionally spans four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and concludes on Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve. This period offers a time for reflection and preparation, marking both a beginning and a culmination of the liturgical year.

What Is Advent? History and Meaning

The term "Advent" originates from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming," corresponding to the Greek "parousia." Historically, Advent in the early Christian church, particularly in 4th and 5th-century Spain and Gaul, was a preparatory period for the baptism of new converts at the Epiphany feast. This feast celebrated the incarnation of God through events like the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1), Jesus' baptism (John 1:29), and His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1). Initially, Advent had minimal connection to Christmas and was more about preparation and penance.

However, by the 6th century, the focus of Advent shifted in Roman Christianity to anticipate Christ's Second Coming rather than His first. This eschatological emphasis remained central until the Middle Ages when Advent became more explicitly connected to the Nativity.

Advent Symbolism

Advent represents the present state of the church, akin to Israel's condition at the Old Testament's close: a period of exile, hopeful and prayerful for the Messiah's advent. The church, during Advent, reflects on Christ’s first arrival while also looking forward to His promised return. This dual focus of remembrance and anticipation is embodied in the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," reflecting both past fulfillment and future hope.

Advent Liturgy and Practice

The structure of Advent liturgy balances remembrance and anticipation. The first two Sundays focus on Christ's Second Coming, while the latter two remember His birth. Scripture readings throughout Advent transition from prophetic texts about Christ's return to Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, culminating in New Testament accounts of Jesus' birth.

Advent, akin to Lent, is traditionally a season of fasting and penitence. This time invites reflection on worldly suffering, longing for divine justice, and personal spiritual renewal in Christ's image.

Advent Readings and Themes

Each Advent week is marked by a specific theme, with corresponding Scripture readings:

Hope (Promise) - First Week, December 3rd: Isaiah 9

Preparation (Waiting, Prophecy) - Second Week, December 10th: Isaiah 40

Joy (Peace) - Third Week, December 17th: Matthew 2

Love (Adoration) - Fourth Week, December 24th: John 3

These readings, spanning from prophetic texts to Gospel narratives, offer a rich tapestry of biblical insights relevant to the Advent themes.

Advent Traditions

Wreaths and Candles: The Advent wreath, with its circular shape and evergreen branches, symbolizes eternal life. The candles, often three purple and one pink, represent the themes of hope, preparation, joy, and love, respectively. The lighting of these candles each Sunday serves as a visual and ritualistic representation of the growing light of Christ coming into the world.

Advent in Christian Life: Advent is not merely a liturgical observance but a call to live in a state of readiness and expectation for Christ's return. This period encourages personal reflection, communal worship, and a reorientation towards God's will.

Advent Prayer: Prayer during Advent is an intimate way to engage with the season's themes, expressing longing for God's presence and action in the world and in individual lives.

Conclusion

Advent 2023 invites believers into a time of deep spiritual engagement, blending historical tradition with contemporary relevance. It is a season that calls for introspection, communal celebration, and hopeful anticipation, all centered on the pivotal events of Christ's birth and the awaited Second Coming. This period, rich in symbolism and tradition, provides a unique opportunity for Christians to deepen their faith and understanding of God's salvific plan through Christ.