The Day After. . . .

Advent Celebrations

Ring out today the bells of joy, for the Savior of the World is born. The scent of pine needles, the lights up on the tree, the sound of laughter, the gifts with fancy wrappings, and the merry greeting - tell me it's Christmas Day!

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent; and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ.

In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.

Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of the oppressed.

Here's to you and yours, A Very Merry Christmas!

Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Sixty Fiver