The Season of Advent

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

“O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appears.Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Dear Second Episcopal District Family: 

​

This magnificently beautiful familiar hymn quoted above, “O Come, O come, Emmanuel,” reminds us - the church, of the season of Advent, a time traditionally marked for remembering the years of preparation and consecration prior to the coming of the Messiah.

​

With that spirit of renewed Hope, Love, Joy and Peace, Arelis and I join with you in observing the season of Advent. In the liturgical calendar, Advent is the season leading up to Christmas, Advent 2018 begins on December 2 (the first day and First Sunday of the liturgical year) and ends on Monday, December 24, 2018. 

​

Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas. Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent, we’re reminded of how much we ourselves also need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

​