When we need to behold Christ’s glory, we only need to reflect, “that the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came as a babe, as Isaiah’s prophecy foretold “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”  Jesus comes from the Father, full of glory and truth (John:14 (NIV).   

     

During Advent we not only celebrate Christ’s first coming, but we look forward to His second coming which New Testament Christians call the Greek word Parousia. Parousia means that Christ will return for His people, establishing His eternal kingdom. 

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The Advent season lasts for four Sundays, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or the nearest Sunday to November 30th. Calendar Dates for 2023 are as follows:    

 

• The first Sunday of Advent is December 3, (This marks the start of the Christian year).

• December 10 is the second Sunday in Advent, 

• December 17 is the Third Sunday in Advent and

• December 24 is the fourth Sunday in Advent and ends on Christmas Day.  (The holiday marks the beginning of the Christian church’s liturgical year). 

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Because God sent His Son, the greatest gift to all humankind to us, let’s remember the real reason we focus on Advent in the life of the Christian Church. The adage or wise saying that is repeated by millions, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” is not just an expression; but is as true today as it was at Jesus’ Incarnation and will continue as we wait for the return of Christ in his glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. As Christians, our daily lives should reflect that we live in celebration and anticipation. As believers, we must remember not only Christ's first coming to earth as a human baby, but we must also celebrate his continued presence with us today through the Holy Spirit.

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May we allow God’s Holy Spirit to fill us with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). May Immanuel’s hand be upon us and actualize faith and hope in our lives so that others can see Christ in us. May we reach out to others and share the love he so willingly showed us.

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Holy Father, we thank you for your loving, promised gift of Jesus, your only Son. Give each of us an obedient heart to share the love of Christ with others and to place our lives in your hands. 

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Likewise, Let us make prayer our vital lifeline during this Advent Season and a daily menu in our lives. Prayer is an amazing way to help cut away from the distractions of the season. Prayer opens our hearts to prepare for celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth; and the expectant faith and hope that we have in the promise that Jesus Christ has come and will come again. This is the essence of Advent!

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In Commemoration and Expectation of God’s  loving gift –Jesus our Lord and Savior, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” - We remain The REAL Church: Still Daring to Believe – I am the Difference.”

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James and Arelis Davis

Servant Leaders