Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Advent - week one

The Time of ANTICIPATION and HOPE

This week we'll light the first purple candle, the Prophecy candle, and celebrate Christ with anticipation and hope.

Just as a child waits expectantly for the "big" day, so our hearts yearn for His Coming.

The scriptures reveal to us that this has been the plan, all along. God would become flesh and dwell among us!

Just as those of long ago waited in anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child, we celebrate His birth while looking beyond it to His glorious reappearing. And we prepare our hearts and minds for His return.

"Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:33)

From the Old Testament to the New Testament and back again, the great event was recorded.

"O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many mansions: (if it were not so, I would have told you). I go to prepare a place for you. 3) And if I go and prepare a place for you; I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)

"...'Surely I come quickly'...Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)

There are many other passages that you might enjoy studying this week:

Matthew 24:37-44, I Thessalonians  4:14-18, John 1:1-14, and I Thessalonians 5:1-6.

Now is the time to dig out your Christmas CDs. Listen to "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and think about the exciting times that we live in today, knowing that Christ could return at any moment! Are you ready?

Think about the little things you do for a long overdue visit with a precious friend. When you learn that they are coming, you clear the calendar and make time for them. You savor every moment, and sigh when they must leave. The best part of His return is, even though we have waited a long time, this time He's not leaving us behind. No teary goodbyes for us. We're going with HIM!

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