The Season of Advent
Advent begins on the nearest Sunday to St Andrew’s Day (November 30) and lasts until Christmas. Advent is a time for preparation – and specifically a time when we examine our readiness for the advent, or coming, of Christ. It is a time when we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ in human form as a child into our world – it is also a time to examine our preparation for his second coming.
Yes, Christmas is coming but as Christians we have Advent first, that time of preparation, to focus on the hope which Christ brings. This is the real preparation for the joy of Christmas and the reliving of Christ’s entry into the world and into our lives.
Zacharias, said of John the Baptist:
“………… for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way,
To give God’s people knowledge of salvation: by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God: The dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine upon those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death: and to guide our feet into the way of peace……”