Why We Observe Advent December 3, 2012
One of our yearly traditions at Parker Hills is toobserve Advent for the four Sundays leading to Christmas. Short readings,candle lightings, and a Christmas-themed sermon series are the central featuresof our tradition. It’s a special time, but we don’t do it just because it’snice. There are bigger reasons.
First, it provides us with a unique opportunity todemonstrate our solidarity with other Christian churches all over the world andthroughout history. For well over 1500 years, Christians have observedChristmas, not just on the day itself, but through a sequence of Sundaysleading up to the day. The candles and greens are part of this largertradition. The candles traditionally symbolize the light of God entering theworld through the birth of Jesus; and the four outer candles are sometimestaken to represent the four centuries of waiting between the end of the OldTestament and Christ’s birth. The center candle is white, traditionallyrepresenting Jesus, and for that reason it’s not lit until Christmas Eve. Thepoint here is that we might not be exactly the same as other Christian churcheson every particular, but we do share a common hope and joy in the coming of theSavior!
Second, Advent reminds us of the need to prepare our heartsfor Jesus’ return. As we ponder the Christmas story through our Adventreadings, we’re always reminded of the many people who were so regrettablyunprepared for the coming of the Messiah that night in Bethlehem, even though they knew He was goingto come eventually. It’s a helpful opportunity to examine ourselves to makesure the same thing doesn’t happen to us when He comes to earth the secondtime. Advent, then, is a season for repentance and change as much as it is aseason of hope and anticipation.
And finally, it helps keep the true meaning ofChristmas before us throughout the whole season. In a culture where Christmasis so heavily commercialized and secularized, it’s a welcome relief topunctuate the madness with four weekly opportunities to reflect and refocus onthe real Reason for the season.
So we say, let’s join believers across town and acrossthe centuries. Let’s prepare our hearts for the Savior’s return. And let’srejoice that Emmanuel has come!