The Meaning of Advent
The word 'advent' means ‘coming’. Advent is a season of preparation and awaiting the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. This event changed the way in which we as humans experienced God. It was a gift that changed the way we viewed our world and how we interacted with one another. It was the first time that through the Holy Spirit, the soul of God manifested itself in physical form on earth through the birth of His Son Jesus.
Archangel Gabriel, Messenger of God, announced to Mary that she was going to bear a son and His Name was to be called Jesus. Mary was only a teenage girl at the time but her faith in God was so deeply a part of her that she said Yes. Her betrothed Joseph said yes too!
This was a time in which the world needed HOPE more than ever. Peace of mind, body and soul and the need to learn truly what it means to love one another, to love everyone.
Jesus was born to a teenage girl and a carpenter in humble surroundings. He came into this world lying in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. His message was to love one another as I loved you. Simple yet a seemingly difficult thing to practice in todays times. Living from the heart allows us to see one another through the loving eyes of God. Loving everyone for we were all created from the same source, the light of God.
Family and Friend Advent Activity
Gather together on Sunday and light a candle each of the four Sundays during the Advent season. The lighting of the candle is symbolic of Jesus bringing light into the world. After lighting the candle, silently or aloud say a prayer of gratitude for God, our Creator’s presence in your life and follow the theme for each week in Advent.
The first Sunday in Advent represents Hope
Talk about your hopes
The second Sunday in Advent represents Peace
Talk about peace and the things that bring peace to your heart and to your world
The third Sunday in Advent represents Love
Talk about love. What it means to love and be loved by one another, living from the heart
The fourth Sunday in Advent represents Joy
Talk about joy. What brings you joy and how you can share that joy with one another
My prayer for you this Advent season is to love one another, love everyone so as to bring peace, joy and love in your heart, in your community and the world. Embrace the hope that Creator, our source of love and light remains within all of us. Walk with Him in the light and share love and peace wherever your path leads you.
“For I am the light in you and you in me and with each other.”
Merry Christmas
Barbara