One of my prayers this Christmas revolves around a word, actually two words. These two words make all the difference in how Christmas is observed. For many people, Christmas is an event – by definition, an observable occurrence, a gathering. It is an event marked by parties, gifts, parades, decorations, family gatherings, etc. While these event-related activities are often involved, Christmas for others is an advent. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or arrival. Christians celebrate Christmas as the arrival of the Christ-child, the world’s Savior and Lord. While the actual date for the physical arrival of Jesus is debatable, the observance of that birth is at Christmas time. The Latin word, adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, which appears twenty-four times in the New Testament, seventeen of which are used in reference to the second coming of Christ, as when the disciples asked Jesus for a sign of His second coming in Matthew 24:3. For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the first coming of Jesus, His physical birth, as well as Christ's return from Heaven. How you celebrate Christ’s second coming, depends largely on how you celebrate His first coming – event or advent. So, for the sake of your preparation for the second coming of the Lord, I pray that you celebrate His first coming as an advent, not simply as an event.
This paragraph is a part of Dr. Dan’s Monday Morning Memo, a one paragraph, spiritual jump-start sent free of charge via E-mail every Monday morning. To see more samples and possibly join the subscription list, go to www.discipleallnations.org.
Comments
Brother Dan, Thanks for your well worded "two" words. I plan on using it to lead inot next weeks sermon. God Bless and pray for the folks in S. Korea this morning. Pastor Bob
Dan, thanks for your two words. I will use this as a devotion and prayer during our large family Christmas dinner.