“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Advent water color by Caeli Tolar

The season of Advent officially begins this Sunday.  What is advent?  Advent literally means coming.  It is the time of the year when we remember and celebrate the coming of Jesus into this world.  How is Advent different from Christmas?  Advent and Christmas are closely related.  They both point us back to a specific time in human history – the birth of Jesus.  Advent, however, has a depth to it that is not implicitly recognized in the celebration of Christmas alone.  Advent reminds us that Jesus came and that he came for a particular purpose.  Furthermore, Advent reminds us that not only has Jesus come, but he will come again.

Here are some of the ways that we will celebrate Advent at Christ Community

1)  The lighting of the Advent candles

The theme of Advent this year is “The Word Became Flesh”.  We will follow the story of the coming of Jesus as it is revealed to us in the Gospel of John.  Jesus is the Word.  And the Word became flesh (John 1).  This is what Advent is all about.  Jesus, being fully God, humbled himself by becoming a man.  His true identity as God Incarnate is revealed time and time again from his own lips as he confesses that he is the great “I am.”

And as the “I am,” Jesus announces that he is:

• the Bread of Life (John 6)
• the Light of the World (John 8)
• the Good Shepherd (John 10)

I want to encourage you to read these passages in their full context each week and seek to grasp the weight and glory of what is being said about Jesus.

2)  Advent artwork series

You will notice a change in the bulletins during Advent series.  Each week there will be new artwork provided by Caeli Tolar that will help illustrated the themes of the Advent readings.  Pay attention as we progress through some of the great themes of the Gospel: grace, mercy, hope, and love.  The original water colors will also go on display in the foyer.

3)  Carols of the Coming King

Everyone is invited to gather together on the evening of December 7 for a special worship service starting at 6:30.  This service will include readings and songs that will focus our attention on the wonderful truth the Jesus is the king that was promised from ages past.  Special focus will be given to the prophecies about the coming Messiah found in Isaiah.  There will be a time of fellowship with refreshments following this service.  This will be a great time to gather as one family and to celebrate and worship the King who has come and who is coming again.

Here are some resources for you and your family:

1)  Scripture Reading Suggestion

Advent is an opportune time to contemplate the reason for the coming of Christ.  One of the best ways to do this is to study the many different passages in Scripture that explicit tell us why Jesus came.  Here are a few to consider over the next several weeks:

• Jesus came to fulfill the Law & Prophets (Matt 5:17-20)
• Jesus came to serve and give his life (Mark 10:35-45)
• Jesus came to save sinners (1 Tim 1:12-17)
• Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:33-40)
• Jesus is coming again! (Revelation 22:6-21)

2)  Books/Devotionals for Advent:

• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas by Nancy Guthrie
• Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation by Joel R. Beeke

I have read both of these and there are excellent.  Here are two new ones for this year that look promising:

• The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent by Scott James
• Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas by Stephen J. Nichols

Online Resources:

• Good News of Great Joy| Desiring God just published a free e-book with daily Advent readings. It’s available in PDF and other formats for Kindle, Nook, iPad, and more.
• For Yonder Breaks a New and Glorious Morn!| Christ the King Presbyterian Church published this Advent devotional (PDF) in 2009. The dates may not be accurate for 2012, but the five weekly readings can be used this year just the same.
• Born a Child and Yet a King| The second devotional from Christ the King Presbyterian Church was released in 2010. Just like their first devotional, the dates may not be correct for this year, but the weekly readings can be easily adapted for 2012.
• A Guide through the Advent Season| Redeemer Presbyterian Church created this guide (PDF) that includes three weekly devotionals.
• Advent Season Readings| A collection of readings from Redeemer Presbyterian Church that you can use and adapt for your own traditions.
• Our King is Born| A collection of devotionals, resources, family activities, and more by Love & Justice Church geared around Advent and Christmas.

I hope you and your family have a truly blessed Advent season.

Kyle